Kenya, December 19 2025 – The Kenyan Government is deploying advanced technology, expanding conservation infrastructure and unlocking green financing to strengthen wildlife protection and grow tourism, with a target of attracting more than five million visitors annually by 2027, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said.
Prof Kindiki said tourism remains a key driver of economic growth, noting that safeguarding wildlife is central to sustaining Kenya’s competitiveness as a global destination.
He spoke on Friday during the passing-out parade of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) cadet officers at Manyani in Taita Taveta County, where he underscored the need to diversify tourism products and revenues to reduce over-reliance on traditional safari tourism.
“Our progress is already visible. Tourism revenue rebounded strongly in 2024, restoring global confidence in Kenya,” the Deputy President said.
“The Government has set a clear target of welcoming five million visitors by 2027. We are diversifying tourism beyond the traditional safari into culture, sports, events, adventure and MICE tourism to ensure growth is broad-based and inclusive.”
As technology reshapes key sectors of the economy, Prof Kindiki said wildlife conservation has embraced innovation, with KWS rolling out Artificial Intelligence-enabled systems and modern surveillance tools to enhance security and response.
“We have strengthened security by deploying elite ranger units, expanding the conservation workforce, and modernizing surveillance using AI-enabled systems, drones, satellite-linked patrol tools and digital radio networks,” he said.
“Rapid-response capabilities have been upgraded and intelligence-led operations strengthened.”
The Deputy President said the Government is anchoring conservation on sustainable financing, including climate funds, carbon markets such as REDD+, conservation bonds, public-private partnerships and multilateral financing.
These measures, he said, are mobilizing capital for wildlife protection, habitat restoration, eco-tourism infrastructure and community enterprises while easing pressure on the Exchequer.
