A coalition of conservation organizations and wildlife experts is calling on the Kenyan government to pause the legislative process for the proposed Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill, 2025, warning that its current form contains critical gaps that could jeopardize biodiversity and weaken existing protections.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to modernize wildlife governance, the groups argue that the bill—as drafted—lacks sufficient safeguards and requires broader stakeholder consultation before moving forward. Among their key concerns is the complete repeal of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013 instead of targeted amendments, a move they say could dismantle hard-won conservation gains.
Of particular concern is a provision that would allow mining activities in protected areas without clear environmental safeguards, raising fears of habitat destruction and increased human-wildlife conflict. Conservationists also question the necessity of creating a new Wildlife Regulatory Authority, which they say would duplicate the roles of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the National Environment Tribunal, potentially leading to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Additionally, the bill’s vague regulations on wildlife use including farming and harvesting have sparked fears that vulnerable species could face heightened exploitation. Meanwhile, unclear compensation mechanisms for communities affected by human-wildlife conflict leave locals at risk without proper recourse.
“While we support efforts to improve wildlife management, this bill, in its current state, poses more risks than solutions,” said a representative from one of the conservation groups. “We urge the government to engage in wider consultations to address these gaps before proceeding further.”
Read more on:
Kenyan Conman Jamal Bashir Hassan Exposed: Defrauds Indian Investor of Over $21,000 in Fake Coffee Business Scam.
The coalition is now pushing for a more inclusive review process to ensure the final legislation strengthens, rather than weakens, Kenya’s conservation framework. Without revisions, they warn, the country’s rich biodiversity and the communities that depend on it could pay the price.
