In this section we will look at
2.)KWS history
3.)1977
4.)Establishment of KWS (1989)
5.)Roles and Functions of KWS
6.)KWS Park Fee 2024
7.)KWS Tender
8.)KWS Recruitment
9.)Kenya Wildlife Service Achievement
11.)Challenges Facing KWS
About Kenya Wildlife Service
Image of Kenya Wildlife service payment information
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is a government parastatal established under the Wildlife established by an act of Parliament; Wildlife Conservation and Management Act CAP 376, of 1989, now repealed and replaced by the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013.
Image of Hyenas and vultures by KWS post on Twitter
They play a crucial role in environmental cleanup by scavenging carrion and preventing the spread of diseases? With powerful jaws and stomachs capable of neutralizing harmful pathogens like anthrax and botulinum toxins,
KWS Vision: To be a world leader in wildlife conservation.
Image of Kenya wildlife service inclusivity poster
Its primary responsibility is conserving and managing Kenya’s wildlife resources in collaboration with stakeholders. This includes managing national parks and reserves, enforcing wildlife laws, and promoting tourism as a key contributor to Kenya's economy.
KWS Mission: To sustainably conserve and manage Kenya’s wildlife and its habitats.
KWS history
Image of Kenya Wildlife service Logo
Pre-Colonial Era
Wildlife was an integral part of traditional Kenyan communities, often governed by cultural norms and taboos that emphasized sustainable use as Indigenous communities coexisted with wildlife, respecting their habitats and ecosystems.
Colonial Era (1895–1963)
1895
Kenya became a British Protectorate, and early conservation efforts were driven by European settlers who wanted to preserve wildlife for sport hunting.
1900
Hunting laws were introduced to regulate the killing of wildlife. The 1907 Game Reserves Ordinance created some of the first game reserves.
1945
The National Parks Ordinance led to the establishment of Kenya’s first national park, Nairobi National Park, in 1946.
1956
The Wildlife Conservation and Management Department (WCMD) was established under the colonial government to oversee wildlife conservation efforts.
Image of KWS Canine Unit that plays an essential part in this mission, supporting efforts to combat wildlife crimes such as trophy trafficking and other related offenses
Post-Independence Era (1963–1989)
After independence in 1963, wildlife conservation faced challenges due to poaching, land pressure, and a lack of resources.
The Wildlife Conservation and Management Department continued to oversee wildlife, but inefficiencies and corruption limited its effectiveness.
1977
Kenya banned all forms of hunting to curb poaching and preserve its wildlife.
Image of a jackal ,it plays a crucial role in regulating the populations of small mammals, insects, and even carrion, keeping nature's food chain in check
Establishment of KWS (1989)
The Kenya Wildlife Service was officially established in the year 1989 as a parastatal organization under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act.It replaced the WCMD and was tasked with a more structured and professional approach to wildlife management. With Dr. Richard Leakey was appointed the first director, marking a turning point for conservation in Kenya. His leadership emphasized professionalism, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement.
Roles and Functions of KWS
Rhino notching exercise
Conservation of Wildlife
KWS safeguards Kenya’s rich biodiversity by managing national parks, marine parks, and reserves. The organization conducts anti-poaching operations and conserves endangered species such as elephants, rhinos, and lions.
Law Enforcement
KWS enforces laws to combat illegal wildlife activities such as poaching, trafficking, and habitat destruction. Rangers are trained to handle these challenges effectively.
Tourism Promotion
KWS develops and markets Kenya’s wildlife as a global tourism product, earning revenue for conservation efforts.
Community Engagement
KWS works with communities living around protected areas to minimize human-wildlife conflicts, ensuring harmonious coexistence.
Scientific Research
KWS conducts wildlife studies, collects ecological data, and shares research findings to support conservation strategies.
Innovative technologies being deployed in the notching exercise, including VHF and LoRa WAN-enabled transmitters which provide hourly updates to the Earth Ranger platform, offering greater efficiency to enhance the effectiveness of Rhino conservation strategies.
KWS Premium Park Fees
Amboseli National Park and Nakuru National Park
Citizen Adult | 860Ksh |
Citizen Child | 215Ksh |
Resident Adult | 860Ksh |
Resident Child | 215Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 60USD |
Non-Resident Child | 35USD |
KWS Wilderness Park Fees (A)
Tsavo East and Tsavo West
Citizen Adult | 515Ksh |
Citizen Child | 215Ksh |
Resident Adult | 515Ksh |
Resident Child | 215Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 52 USD |
Non-Resident Child | 35USD |
KWS Wilderness Park Fees (B)
Meru National Park,Kora National Park,Aberdare National Park
Citizen Adult | 300Ksh |
Citizen Child | 215Ksh |
Resident Adult | 300Ksh |
Resident Child | 215Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 52USD |
Non-Resident Child | 35USD |
Mount Kenya National Park
Citizen Adult | 300Ksh |
Citizen Child | 215Ksh |
Resident Adult | 300Ksh |
Resident Child | 215Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 43USD |
Non-Resident Child | 26USD |
KWS Urban Safari Park Fees
Nairobi National Park
Citizen Adult | 430Ksh |
Citizen Child | 215Ksh |
Resident Adult | 430Ksh |
Resident Child | 215Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 43USD |
Non-Resident Child | 22USD |
KWS Sanctuaries Park Fees
Nairobi Animal Orphanage/Kisumu/Impala /Nairobi Safari Walk/Lake Elementatita
Citizen Adult | 215Ksh |
Citizen Child | 125Ksh |
Resident Adult | 215Ksh |
Resident Child | 125Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 22USD |
Non-Resident Child | 13USD |
KWS Scenic and special Interest (a) Park Fees
Hells Gate /Mount Elgon /Ol-Donyo Sabuk and Mount Longonot
Citizen Adult | 300Ksh |
Citizen Child | 215Ksh |
Resident Adult | 300Ksh |
Resident Child | 215Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 26USD |
Non-Resident Child | 17USD |
KWS Marine Parks Fees
Kisite Mpunguti
Citizen Adult | 215Ksh |
Citizen Child | 125Ksh |
Resident Adult | 215Ksh |
Resident Child | 125Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 17USD |
Non-Resident Child | 13USD |
KWS Marine Park Fees
Malindi/Watamu /Mombasa /Kiunga
Citizen Adult | 130Ksh |
Citizen Child | 125Ksh |
Resident Adult | 130Ksh |
Resident Child | 125Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 17USD |
Non-Resident Child | 13USD |
KWS Premium Parks Camping Fees
Amboseli &Lake Nakuru
Citizen Adult | 500Ksh |
Citizen Child | 250Ksh |
Resident Adult | 500Ksh |
Resident Child | 250Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 50USD |
Non-Resident Child | 25USD |
KWS other Parks Camping Fees
Citizen Adult | 250Ksh |
Citizen Child | 200Ksh |
Resident Adult | 250Ksh |
Resident Child | 200Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 35USD |
Non-Resident Child | 20USD |
KWS daily fee is a single entry fee valid for 24 hours of continuous uninterrupted stay inside KWS National Park,National Reserve and Sanctuary
East African Citizen is a native of East Africa countries Kenya,Uganda ,Rwanda ,Tanzania, Burundi ,somalia,South Sudanand Democratic Republic of Congo with valid identification documents and passport
Kenya Resident refers to persons of other nationalities residing in Kenya with valid documentationfrom the Kenyan Government
Student is herein defined as an individual from a recognized secondary government or private college/University aged up to 23 yearsold and visiting the park for purposes of learning about conservation through a documented and organized arrangement with that institution .It excludes students on personally arranged holiday ,KWS will require of 2 weeks notice in order to issue written authorization for student rates
Children refers to persons from 3 years but below 18 years
KWS Tender
KWS routinely procures goods, works, and services through tenders, ensuring transparency and compliance with Kenyan procurement laws. These tenders range from infrastructure development and equipment supply to consultancy services
Tender Types
Open Tenders:These are advertised widely and open to all eligible suppliers.
Restricted Tenders:Involves inviting specific suppliers due to specialized needs or urgency.
Request for Proposals (RFPs):Common for consultancy services or technical projects.
Framework Agreements:These allow prequalified suppliers to provide goods or services over a specified period.
Tender Application Steps
Identify Opportunities:Tenders are published on the KWS website or local newspapers.
Prepare Bid Documents:Include all required documents, such as tax compliance certificates, registration details, and financial statements.
Submit Proposals:Follow instructions on timelines, submission formats, and venues.
Evaluation Process:KWS evaluates bids based on technical compliance, cost, and other criteria.
Award and Contract Signing:Successful bidders receive notification and sign contracts with KWS.
KWS is one of Kenya’s most sought-after employers, offering opportunities for professionals in conservation, research, law enforcement, and administration.
Rangers
KWS rangers are the backbone of wildlife conservation and law enforcement. Their duties include patrolling, responding to threats, and assisting tourists.
Scientists and Researchers
Roles in wildlife research, ecological monitoring, and data analysis are available for professionals with scientific expertise.
Administrative Roles
Positions include finance, human resources, and marketing.
Tourism and Hospitality Staff
These include park guides, hotel management staff, and customer service representatives.
Internships and Graduate Trainee Programs
Designed to nurture young talent, KWS offers internships and training programs for students and recent graduates.
Recruitment Process
Job Advertisements:KWS announces vacancies on its website and in newspapers.
Application:Candidates submit applications via the KWS online portal or specified methods.
Shortlisting:Applications are reviewed, and shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews or tests.
Interviews and Selection:Depending on the role, candidates undergo interviews, physical tests, or aptitude assessments.
Onboarding:Successful candidates are onboarded and begin training or work immediately.
Requirements for Key Roles
Rangers:
Kenyan citizenship
Minimum KCSE certificate
Physically and mentally fit
Pass rigorous physical and medical tests
Researchers/Scientists:
Relevant degrees in conservation, biology, or related fields
Experience in research projects
Administrative Staff:
Relevant academic qualifications and professional experience
Fun fact: A group of zebras is called a dazzle
Anti-Poaching Efforts
In the 1980s and 1990s, KWS implemented aggressive anti-poaching strategies, including the burning of ivory stockpiles to send a strong message against illegal wildlife trade.Poaching rates significantly declined during this period.
Expansion of Protected Areas:
KWS manages over 8% of Kenya’s landmass, including 23 national parks, 28 national reserves, and marine parks.
Community-Based Conservation:
Initiatives like community conservancies encourage local communities to benefit from tourism and wildlife conservation.
Tourism Development:
KWS plays a vital role in Kenya’s tourism industry by maintaining infrastructure in national parks and reserves.
Terrestrial Parks
Aberdare National Park
Amboseli National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park
Nairobi National Park
Meru National Park
Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo West National Park
Mount Kenya National Park
Kora National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park
Marine Parks
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park
Mombasa Marine Park
Malindi Marine Park
Watamu Marine Park
Reserves
Samburu National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Encroachment on wildlife habitats leads to conflicts, threatening both human and animal safety.
Image of a post on twitter by NTSA and KWS a hyena knocked by car
Poaching and Illegal Trade
Despite efforts, poaching of elephants and rhinos remains a concern.
Climate Change
Erratic weather patterns disrupt ecosystems and food chains.
Funding Constraints
Insufficient budgets hinder infrastructure development and research projects.
Tourism Dependency
Reliance on tourism revenue makes KWS vulnerable to global disruptions like pandemics.