Kenya Wildlife Service

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Overview

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kws@kws.go.ke

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), established under the Wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act of 1989, is dedicated to managing and conserving Kenya’s rich wildlife resources. Its mandate includes protecting wildlife habitats, promoting sustainable tourism, and engaging in community outreach for wildlife conservation. KWS also implements policies aimed at biodiversity preservation and works collaboratively with local communities to enhance conservation efforts. Under the leadership of Dr. Erustus Kanga, KWS focuses on addressing conservation challenges while fostering economic development through tourism and wildlife-related activities.

CEO: Dr. Erustus Kanga

Dr. Erustus Kanga, EBS, HSC holds a PhD in Ecology from Kenyatta University and a Master’s degree in Wildlife Management from
the University of Nairobi. With extensive experience in wildlife conservation, he previously served as the Wildlife Secretary in Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, focusing on policy and management​. Dr. Kanga’s leadership is pivotal in promoting sustainable wildlife conservation and biodiversity in Kenya.

Management Team

Dr. Erustus Kanga

Director General

Elema W. Saru

Deputy Director and Head of Investigation

Michael Nicholson

Director Partnership & Enterprise

Valentain Kanani

Deputy Director Human Resource & Administration

Dickson Ritan

Deputy Director Wildlife Protection Division

Eng. Bernard Mbeda

Deputy Director Infrastructure & Facilities Management

Prof. Charles Musyoki

Director Wildlife & Community Service

Johana K Tonui

Director Wildlife Security

Benta Musima

Ag. Corporation Secretary

Board of Governors

Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Walter R. Koipaton

Chairman

Dr. Erustus Kanga

Director General

Silvia Museiya Kihoro

Principal Secretary, State Department for Wildlife

Dr. Helen Gichohi

Board Member

Rosemary Kuraru

Board Member

Mercy Maina

Board Member

Peter Fredrick Moll

Board Member

Thomas Silvester

Board Member

Hon. Francis Chachu Ganya

Board Member

Functions

  • Wildlife Conservation: Protecting and conserving wildlife species and their habitats through effective management strategies.
  • Sustainable Tourism Promotion: Promoting eco-tourism as a means of generating revenue while ensuring wildlife conservation.
  • Community Engagement: Collaborating with local communities to foster awareness and participation in wildlife conservation initiatives.
  • Research and Education: Conducting research to inform conservation strategies and educating the public about wildlife and biodiversity.
  • Policy Development: Advising the government on wildlife policies and legislative frameworks to enhance conservation efforts.
  • Anti-Poaching Initiatives: Implementing measures to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade, including ranger training and surveillance.
  • Biodiversity Monitoring: Monitoring wildlife populations and ecosystems to assess conservation effectiveness and inform management practices.
  • Restoration Projects: Undertaking habitat restoration projects to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
  • Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation: Providing care for injured or orphaned wildlife, facilitating their recovery and release back into the wild.
  • International Collaboration: Engaging with regional and international organizations to address cross-border wildlife conservation issues and share best practices.

Important Links

Address & Contacts

  • Kenya Wildlife Service
  • P.O. Box 40241 – 00100 Nairobi Kenya
  • kws@kws.go.ke
  • +254 (20) 2379407 / +254 (20) 2379408 / +254 (20) 2379409