By John Kariuki

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, led by Cabinet Secretary Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH, Tuesday appeared before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Tourism & Wildlife, chaired by Hon. Kareke Mbiuki, to present the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS). This session, held in accordance with Section 25(2) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, aimed to assess budgetary allocations for the Ministry, its State Departments, and Agencies, ensuring they align with national priorities.

During the presentation, the Ministry underscored the undeniable link between conservation efforts and the budget-making process. It emphasized that increased funding directly correlates with improved wildlife conservation, ecosystem protection, and enhanced community livelihoods. The Ministry’s commitment to sustainable conservation was evident in the budget’s focus areas, which include habitat restoration, human-wildlife conflict compensation and mitigation, community engagement, and research-driven conservation strategies.

Hon. Miano highlighted that wildlife conservation is not just about protecting animals but also about fostering harmonious coexistence between communities and nature. “For conservation to be effective, we must ensure communities living near wildlife-rich areas benefit from conservation initiatives. This budget is a step toward strengthening those relationships while securing the future of our wildlife,” she stated.

The Ministry is prioritizing robust resource mobilization strategies to enhance conservation efforts, ensuring that Kenya’s wildlife populations not only survive but thrive for future generations. The approach includes funding for training programs and research initiatives to inform conservation policies and management practices.

The Budget and Appropriations Committee is now set to review these proposals, determining the final allocation for the Ministry’s conservation agenda. As Kenya positions itself as a global leader in wildlife protection and ecotourism, the success of these strategies will depend on securing adequate financial support.

The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future of conservation efforts in the country. Will the government recognize the urgency of sustainable funding for wildlife protection? The decisions made now will define Kenya’s conservation landscape for years to come.