Kenya is globally celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity and iconic national parks and reserves, attracting over 3.2 million visitors annually. Nature-based products drive more than 70% of Kenya’s tourism demand, positioning wildlife tourism as the backbone of the sector and a powerful engine for sustainable economic growth.

As global demand for authentic, nature-based experiences continues to rise, wildlife tourism presents a unique opportunity to expand the green economy and create meaningful employment. Recent data indicate that for every ten jobs in Kenya, one is supported by the tourism sector, highlighting tourism’s critical role in livelihoods, income generation and inclusive development across the country.

Tourism remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, delivering strong multiplier effects across agriculture, trade, manufacturing, infrastructure, and environmental management. Despite periodic disruptions, including the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and recovery. In 2024, Kenya welcomed a record-breaking 2.4 million international visitors, generating KSh 452.2 billion in tourism earnings, reaffirming tourism as a key driver of national economic growth.

Wildlife tourism lies at the heart of this success. Kenya’s protected areas—spanning savannahs, forests, wetlands, mountains, and marine ecosystems—offer unmatched visitor experiences while safeguarding globally significant biodiversity. In alignment with Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the Service actively promote investment opportunities within national parks, reserves and sanctuaries to unlock the full potential of the wildlife economy.

Priority investment opportunities include public-private partnerships for the development of eco-lodges, luxury tented camps, visitor facilities, and innovative niche tourism products that enhance visitor experiences while maintaining ecological integrity. These investments generate direct and indirect employment, particularly for youth and women, and stimulate local economies through increased demand for agricultural produce, transport, crafts, construction, and hospitality services.

A core pillar of Kenya’s wildlife tourism model is community inclusion and shared value creation. Investments within and around protected areas are designed to directly benefit communities living adjacent to wildlife habitats. Through employment, enterprise development, guided experiences such as walking safaris and wildlife photography, and revenue-sharing mechanisms, communities become active partners in conservation. Complementary support for education, food security, and social development initiatives helps build goodwill, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and strengthen climate resilience.

By promoting and financing nature-positive enterprises in buffer zones and wildlife corridors, Kenya is expanding local tourism economies while protecting critical ecosystems. These initiatives improve community livelihoods, enhance environmental stewardship, and ensure the long-term sustainability of wildlife populations and habitats.

Access to Prime Wildlife Assets

A Trusted Public Partner

Structured Public–Private Partnerships

Investor Support and Facilitation

Conservation-Positive Returns

Strong Community Alignment