Executive Summary

Kenya ranks highly as one of the biodiversity rich countrie’s in the World. The iconic wildlife and the diverse conservation areas are among the countries most valuable assets. Wildlife is a source of national pride, the foundation for the tourism industry that contributes 10% of National Gross development project (GDP) and 11% of total formal workforce. In addition to providing direct economic benefits, Kenya’s wildlife habitats and conservation areas-including terrestrial and marine National Parks and Reserves, Sanctuaries and Conservancies-are also vital for water catchment, carbon sequestration, fresh air and recreation.

However, the exponential increases in human population in Kenya and changes in land use, including human settlements, urbanization, large infrastructure projects and agricultural expansion, are edging out wildlife in the critical wildlife dispersal areas. Human wildlife conflicts, bush meat trade and commercial poaching remains a substantial threat to wildlife conservation in Kenya and in the region. At the coast, rapid land use changes are affecting coral reefs, mangroves and the long-term ecology of the coastal zone. Similarly, our lakes are threatened by eutrophication, invasive species (e.g. water hyacinth) and over exploitation of fish stocks.

There is likelihood that if these challenges are not addressed, the basic foundation upon which wildlife conservation is founded will collapse with far-reaching consequences for ecological well-being, economic development and livelihood sustainability. However, the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013 provides an opportunity for a paradigm shift in conservation strategies and approaches. The National Wildlife Strategy 2030 provides a blueprint for addressing these threats and emerging challenges and transforming wildlife conservation in Kenya.

The Strategy

In keeping with the provisions of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 this Strategy is built on an in-depth process of public participation, review of existing strategies, and approaches, and an assessment of current conditions, challenges, and best practices. In an effort to transform wildlife conservation in Kenya, the Strategy has identified four core pillars, made up of seven goals, supported by 21 strategies, and 70 priority activities. Priority elements of these are drawn together in four Flagship projects that bring people and processes together to achieve immediate conservation impact and catalyze implementation of the Strategy.