By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 19 December 2025 - Kenya is positioning tourism as a central pillar of its economic growth strategy, with the government targeting more than five million visitors annually by 2027, backed by expanded use of technology, infrastructure upgrades and stronger wildlife protection measures.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the country is investing heavily in advanced technologies to safeguard wildlife, improve visitor experiences and sustain confidence in Kenya as a premier global tourism destination. He described tourism as a key driver of economic growth, employment and foreign exchange earnings.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) cadet officers at Manyani in Taita Taveta County, Prof Kindiki emphasized that protecting wildlife is essential to sustaining tourism growth, noting that Kenya’s natural heritage remains a major draw for international visitors.
“Our progress is already visible. Tourism revenue grew strongly in 2024, restoring global confidence in Kenya. The Government has set a clear target of welcoming five million visitors by 2027,” Kindiki said.
He added that the government is deliberately diversifying tourism offerings to reduce overreliance on traditional safari tourism.
“We are diversifying tourism beyond the traditional safari into culture, sports, events, adventure, and MICE tourism—ensuring that growth is broad-based and inclusive,” he said.
The diversification strategy is expected to spread tourism revenues more evenly across regions, create new jobs and cushion the sector from shocks linked to seasonality or changing travel trends. Analysts note that expanding non-safari tourism could help counties tap into new income streams while easing pressure on major parks.
Technology is emerging as a key enabler of this strategy, particularly in wildlife conservation. Kindiki said KWS is adopting advanced systems such as artificial intelligence, drones and satellite-linked patrol tools to strengthen surveillance and rapid response.
“We have strengthened security by employing and deploying elite ranger units, expanding the conservation workforce, and modernising surveillance using AI-enabled systems, drones, satellite-linked patrol tools, and modern digital radio networks,” he said, adding that intelligence-led operations and rapid-response capabilities have been significantly enhanced.
Beyond security, the government is anchoring wildlife conservation on sustainable financing models to reduce reliance on the Exchequer. These include climate finance, carbon markets such as REDD+, conservation bonds, public–private partnerships and multilateral funding.
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Through these mechanisms, the government aims to mobilize long-term capital for wildlife protection, habitat restoration, eco-tourism infrastructure and community enterprises, while aligning conservation with clean energy and climate goals.
“Wildlife and tourism create jobs, grow businesses, and strengthen communities. When we secure our parks, we secure our economy. When conservation works for communities, the nation prospers,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President highlighted recent initiatives aimed at raising Kenya’s global conservation profile, including President William Ruto’s launch of the expansion of the Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary from 92 square kilometres to 3,200 square kilometres, making it the largest rhino sanctuary in the world. He also cited Cabinet approval of the Nairobi National Park–Kapiti Wildlife Corridor, which will reconnect Kenya’s oldest park to its historic dispersal areas.
In addition, the government is establishing a National Wildlife Protection and Anti-Poaching Modernisation Framework and a National Wildlife Forensics and Intelligence Centre to enhance the use of science and data in combating poaching.
Investment in human capital remains a core pillar of the strategy. Kindiki said the recruitment of 1,500 rangers and cadets, improved welfare, specialised training and a clear housing policy for officers in remote and high-risk areas are aimed at building a professional and motivated conservation force.
“Rangers will be protected by the law, and those who threaten or attack them will face the full force of justice,” he said, while also calling for accountability and respect for human rights in managing human-wildlife conflicts.
The Deputy President urged county governments to partner with KWS to reopen dormant parks and reserves, arguing that they are critical to job creation, community empowerment and local revenue generation.
As Kenya pushes toward its 2027 tourism target, the success of these measures will hinge on effective coordination, sustained investment and the ability to balance conservation, community interests and economic growth.
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