Engagements between the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee centered on the future of Kenya’s protected landscapes, with emphasis placed on conservation priorities and the management of historical land-related matters affecting key ecosystems.
The discussions on Tuesday brought together senior government officials and Members of Parliament in Nairobi, focusing on safeguarding the integrity of protected areas while addressing constituency-level concerns raised through parliamentary petitions.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, participated in the deliberations alongside the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Wildlife and the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service, Prof. Erastus Kanga.
The meeting examined the ministry’s core mandate, with particular attention to conservation and protection of natural heritage sites.
During the session, the ministry reiterated that its primary responsibility remains the protection and conservation of Kenya’s wildlife and natural ecosystems.
While acknowledging ongoing collaboration with leadership on historical land concerns, the ministry maintained that safeguarding protected areas such as Tsavo West and the Kiunga Marine National Reserve remains a central priority.
Parliamentary input was recognised as a key component of the process, with the ministry expressing appreciation for the Public Petitions Committee and Members of Parliament for channeling community perspectives into national discussions.
The engagement was framed as part of a broader democratic process that integrates public concerns into conservation governance.
“This partnership and teamwork affirms our priorities in ensuring that these protected ecosystems remain resilient against encroachment and environmental degradation. By upholding the law, we protect the biodiversity that sustains our tourism sector and our planet,” CS Miano said.
She further noted that maintaining strong conservation frameworks is essential for both environmental protection and the long-term stability of the tourism sector.
The ministry stressed that continued collaboration with Parliament and other stakeholders is central to addressing pressures on protected areas while ensuring ecosystems remain intact for future generations.
By reinforcing conservation measures, the government aims to balance environmental protection with community needs and national development goals.
CS Miano added that safeguarding biodiversity remains key to ensuring that both Kenya’s natural heritage and its people can thrive in the long term.
