The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife worked with the Council of Governors (COG) Tourism and Wildlife Committee to agree on resolutions that aim to protect wildlife and grow tourism across counties.
Both sides decided to set up an intergovernmental forum, as provided by the Intergovernmental Relations Act, 2012.
This forum will bring national and county governments together to manage tourism and wildlife resources.
A technical team will come together to revive inactive national reserves, develop county skills for long-term tourism investment, and introduce wildlife education in schools and local groups.
The Ministry plans to share the 2025 national wildlife census data with counties to help shape conservation strategies and open new economic opportunities in wildlife tourism.
Financial matters were also discussed at the meeting.
The Council of Governors will ask for a meeting with the National Treasury and the Ministry to build a framework for the presidential directive on a 50/50 revenue-sharing model for national parks with host counties.
Counties will offer policy proposals as they review the Tourism Act, 2011, and the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013, with a view to supporting resource mobilization and revenue-sharing methods.
The Ministry will join with counties to develop new tourism products and cultural events that attract visitors from home and abroad.
The Wildlife Clubs of Kenya will take part in the review of the legislation to boost wildlife education.
The resolutions received a final stamp with signatures from the Tourism and Wildlife Committee Chairperson, Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, and the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano.
These new steps point to a promising future for wildlife care and tourism growth in Kenya.
