The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has announced a public participation exercise as part of the ongoing review of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (CAP 376). This initiative, set to run from May 7 to May 25, 2025, will be conducted across all 47 counties, allowing citizens to engage in shaping the future of wildlife conservation laws in Kenya.
The primary objective of the review is to ensure the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act aligns with the Constitution of Kenya, particularly in clarifying the roles and responsibilities of both national and county governments in the management of wildlife resources. This is part of a broader effort to improve governance structures within Kenya’s wildlife sector, which is vital to the country’s conservation and tourism industries.
Additionally, the review will harmonize the Act with key policy frameworks, including the National Wildlife Policy 2020 and the National Wildlife Strategy 2030. By doing so, the Ministry hopes to address emerging challenges in wildlife conservation, reengineer management approaches, and streamline legal frameworks to provide greater clarity and efficiency.
A crucial aspect of the review is its focus on enhancing economic opportunities tied to wildlife resources. Wildlife plays an integral role in Kenya’s economy, particularly through tourism and eco-tourism ventures. As such, the law review will explore ways to create more sustainable, community-driven economic opportunities in areas surrounding wildlife conservation areas.
The public participation exercise provides an invaluable opportunity for Kenyans to voice their opinions on wildlife conservation, enabling the Ministry to create a more inclusive and effective policy environment. Stakeholders, including local communities, conservationists, and business owners, are encouraged to participate actively in the discussions.
With the review taking place in all counties, the Ministry ensures that all citizens, regardless of their location, can contribute to the process. This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing Kenya’s commitment to wildlife preservation while promoting sustainable growth in the sector.
