Date Published:
The secluded Clubhouse in Nairobi National Park was the venue for the first ever Kenya Parks Investors Forum on 23rd August 2023, hosted by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Dr. Erustus Kanga.
Addressing a large gathering of potential investors, the Cabinet Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Hon. Peninah Malonza, said that the KWS Investor’s Conference was one of the most organized of her experience, lauding KWS and the teams which made the conference an astounding success. The CS recognized the importance of all investors present in shaping Kenya’s tourism industry, which is vital for the nation’s progress.
Hon. Malonza said The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts that tourism in Kenya made a strong recovery in 2023, constituting 6.7% of the GDP (938.8 million). The CS explained that projections suggest that by 2033, tourism could contribute up to 7.5% (1.6 trillion) shillings which will result into reduced borrowing by the government, adding that tourism also contributes to job creation, for example, 1.56 million jobs in 2019.
Hon. Malonza averred that Kenya’s tourism industry remained resilient in spite of recent challenges and is poised for substantial growth, fuelled by aggressive domestic and international marketing. She said that His Excellency President William Ruto’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) aligns with the role of tourism as a catalyst for social economic development. “To achieve our goals, the government is committed to tourism diversification initiatives aiming to stimulate investment, job growth and consumer spending,” the CS said, adding that the government emphasizes action through strategic partnerships, collaboration with the national airline, counties and the private sector, to amplify the collective impact.
The CS explained that diversified marketing channels such as social media and a plethora of others connect Kenya with a global audience, adding that the ministry seeks to enhance accommodation bed capacities in protected areas by empowering citizens with investment opportunities, fostering a sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits people and preserves our natural heritage.
Hon. Malonza stated that the Kenya Parks Investment Forum is a platform that encourages partnerships between Kenyans and the government, leading to competitive and diverse tourism offerings as well as raising Kenya’s global and regional profile. She added that the ministry embraced input from experts, policy makers, academics consumers and the public, as well as fostering a symphony of ideas.
The CS stressed on the necessity for transparency and accountability to underpin investment, which would create an environment of honesty and ethical competition. She urged investors to unite with the government to create world-class offerings that make Kenya a premier global tourist destination.
KWS Board Chair, Lt. Gen. Walter Raria Koipaton thanked investors present for the tremendous turnout, adding that the forum’s focus was visitor turnout and jobs creation for Kenyan youth. The Chairman said that one of the Service’s paramount goals was scaling Kenya’s domestic and international tourism by encouraging investors to explore and develop their own economic ventures, thus positioning Kenya as the perfect safari destination. Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Koipaton said the Service envisions modernized facilities that meet the needs of modern tourists.
KWS Director General Dr. Erustus Kanga said that the ground-breaking Kenya Parks Investors Forum ushered in a new chapter in KWS’s conservation journey. Dr. Kanga explained that at the heart of the Service’s mission lies the need for sustainable financial support, a mandate clearly articulated in the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, which financial foundation serves as the bedrock of realizing KWS’s three essential pillars: ecological integrity, financial sustainability and community engagement and partnership with the private sector.
Dr. Kanga explained that the theme of the investment prospectus, “Invest in Kenya’s Parks, Where Nature and Opportunities Meet Communities,” beckons all investors to delve into strategic advantages and extraordinary returns on investments that lie within the Service’s iconic national parks, reserves and stations.
The DG said that KWS stands ready to collaborate with the private sector to drive a myriad of initiatives, including diversifying Kenya’s tourism source markets and development projects across an expansive network of over 122 sites, and embracing technological advancements.
Objectives of the forum encompass diversifying visitor experience, fostering job opportunities and empowering local communities living in proximity to the parks through mutually beneficial agreements, stimulating private sector involvement in conservation, generating government income through taxes and fees and nurturing sustainable tourism practices.
KWS Senior Assistant Director – Marketing and Business Development Gladys Kosgei walked investors through the investment prospectus, which comprised 122 investment opportunities across conservation areas. These included 71 eco lodges and tented camps, 10 restaurants, one hostel, six bandas, among several others across eight conservation areas.
Ms. Kosgei fielded several queries from a number of investors on various aspects of the investment prospectus.
Others in attendance were a representative of the Principal Secretary for Wildlife, members of KWS BoT; Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism and Wildlife Hon Kareke Mbiuki ; Chair of the Tourism Fund, Samson Kipkoech Some; Kenya Tourism Board representative Fiona Ngesa; MD of the Kenya Investment Authority, June Chepkemei; Kenya Development Corporation’s Judith Kerich, Members of Parliament and KWS Senior management and staff.
