THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT BILL, 2025.
Introduction to the Wildlife Conservation & Management Bill 2025
The Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill 2025 is a transformative piece of legislation that seeks to redefine how Kenya manages and protects its wildlife. Unlike an amendment, this is a comprehensive new law aimed at replacing the existing Wildlife Act to better reflect the needs of the country today and in the future.
The State Department for Wildlife, under the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, has commenced the review of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (CAP 376). This review process provides an opportunity for the public, stakeholders, and conservationists to provide input and ensure the Bill is inclusive, just, and responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities.
Purpose Of The Bill
The Wildlife Conservation & Management Bill aims to:
- Align the Act with the Constitution of Kenya, particularly regarding the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government
- Harmonize with the National Wildlife Policy 2020, the National Wildlife Strategy 2030, and other relevant policies
- Address emerging issues in the wildlife sector
- Reengineer wildlife conservation and management approaches in Kenya
- Provide legal clarity and certainty in the governance of the wildlife sector
- Enhance economic opportunities linked to wildlife
Why Your Voice Matters
Your Insight Drives Change
The Wildlife Conservation & Management Bill 2025 will define how Kenya protects and manages its wildlife, affecting communities, biodiversity, conservation jobs, and tourism.
This is a key moment for youth to engage in environmental governance and influence a law that will shape Kenya’s wildlife future for generations and:
- Preserve natural habitats and biodiversity for future generations as challenges grow
- Contribute fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a long-term vision crucial for sustainable wildlife conservation
- Advocate for inclusive and community-based conservation approaches that empower local communities and ensure their involvement in decision-making processes
Review The Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill ,2025.
- Step 1: Identify key differences between the Wildlife Conservation & Management Act 2013 and wildlife Bill 2025
- Step 2: Review the Wildlife Conservation & Management Act 2013 and wildlife bill 2025
Step 3: Provide feedback on specific sections.
Key Differences Between 2013 Act and 2025 Bill
| AREA | Wildlife Conservation & Management Act 2013 | Wildlife Conservation & Management Bill 2025 |
|---|---|---|
|
Structural & Institutional Changes
(New Regulatory Authority Introduced)
|
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) was the main body. |
Establishes a new Kenya Wildlife Regulatory Authority (KWRA) to regulate, coordinate, and oversee the wildlife sector independently from KWS.
|
|
Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund |
Included a Wildlife Compensation Scheme but not a standalone trust fund body. |
Introduces a Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund governed by a board and run by a CEO to manage compensation, conservation incentives, and project funding.
|
|
Wildlife Tribunal & Expanded Dispute Mechanism |
Disputes were less formally structured. |
Establishes the National Wildlife Tribunal to handle compensation disputes and appeals, with recourse to the Environment and Land Court.
|
|
Recognition of Wildlife as Public Trust |
Did not explicitly define wildlife as a perpetual public trust. |
Declares wildlife a national asset held in trust by the government for all Kenyans. |
|
Wildlife Economy |
Not specifically addressed. |
The concept of a “wildlife economy” is introduced – encouraging profitable use of wildlife resources aligned with conservation (e.g., carbon markets, biodiversity credits, eco-tourism).
|
|
County Government Roles |
Limited. |
Counties are formally assigned clear wildlife conservation mandates including implementing benefit-sharing frameworks, managing national reserves, and promoting bio-trade.
|
|
Wildlife Critical Areas |
Not specifically addressed. |
Adds protection for wildlife critical areas (e.g., migratory routes, breeding sites, spiritual sites) outside traditional protected zones. |
|
Economic Incentives & Tax Benefits |
Mentions benefit-sharing but not detailed incentive structures. |
Mandates the Cabinet Secretary to publish tax incentives and other economic rewards for individuals and communities engaging in conservation.
|
|
Human Wildlife Conflict Compensation |
Compensation existed, but funding and structure were less clear. |
Creates a formal compensation scheme funded through: -Parliamentary allocations -2% of conservation/tourism revenues -Other approved sources Administered by a designated Scheme Administrator. |
|
Multilateral Agreements |
Not specifically addressed. |
Designates specific Management and Scientific Authorities for wildlife treaties, aligns with CITES, and mandates annual reports to Parliament. |
Bill Structure and Key Sections
The Wildlife Conservation & Management Bill, 2025 is organized into the following parts:
Part I: Preliminary (Sections 1-5)
Sets the foundational context for the Bill. It includes the definitions of key terms, the purpose of the Bill, and its scope. It is essential to understand the general principles before diving into the specifics.
Part II: Wildlife Conservation & Co-ordination (Sections 6-7)
This section outlines National Wildlife Co-Ordination & Responsibilities of County government.
Part III: Administration, Management and Oversight of Wildlife (Sections 8-64)
Provides a comprehensive framework for the administration, management, and oversight of wildlife conservation efforts in Kenya.
Part IV: National Wildlife Conservation Policy and Management Strategy (Sections 65-66)
Part IV: National Wildlife Conservation Policy and Management Strategy (Sections 65-66)
Part V: Conservation, Protection and Management (Sections 67-133)
Outlines comprehensive provisions for the conservation, protection, and management of wildlife in Kenya.
Part VI: Conservation Orders and Easements (Sections 134-137)
Introduces key mechanisms to protect and manage wildlife through Conservation Orders and Conservation Easements. These provisions enable the legal protection of critical habitats and wildlife species, primarily on both public and private lands.
Conservation orders allow authorities to issue protection measures for specific wildlife or habitats, while conservation easements are voluntary agreements with landowners to protect wildlife areas on private land.
This part also emphasizes the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts to ensure that local interests are considered and conservation measures are more effective.
Part VII: National Wildlife Biodiversity Data (Sections 138-141)
Focuses on the establishment and management of National Wildlife Biodiversity Data. It emphasizes the importance of collecting, maintaining, and analysing data on wildlife populations, ecosystems, and biodiversity. The effective management of this data is critical for informed decision-making in conservation efforts, policy formulation, and wildlife management strategies.
Part VIII: Wildlife Biodiversity Economy (Sections 142-162)
Introduces the concept of the Wildlife Biodiversity Economy. It aims to establish a framework for the integration of wildlife conservation and economic development, ensuring that wildlife and biodiversity contribute to the country’s economic growth. This part highlights the link between wildlife conservation and sustainable economic activities, promoting the use of wildlife resources in a way that benefits local communities, the nation, and conservation efforts.
Part IX: Licences and Permits on Trade of Wildlife Specimen (Sections 163-171)
Outlines the legal framework for the regulation of licenses and permits related to the trade of wildlife specimens. It addresses the need to control and monitor the trade of wildlife and their products to prevent illegal or unsustainable exploitation, while ensuring that legal trade contributes to conservation efforts and supports the wildlife economy.
This part of the Bill is crucial in balancing the legal trade of wildlife specimens (such as for tourism, research, and cultural purposes) with stringent regulations designed to protect endangered species and prevent the trafficking of wildlife for illegal purposes.
Part X: Human Wildlife Coexistence (Sections 172-193)
Focuses on addressing the growing concern of human-wildlife conflict and promoting coexistence between human populations and wildlife.
This section of the Bill outlines measures to mitigate conflicts, protect both wildlife and human communities, and ensure that communities living near wildlife-rich areas are supported in their efforts to live harmoniously with wildlife.
Part XI: International Treaties, Conventions and Agreements (Sections 194-202)
Focuses on Kenya’s international obligations related to wildlife conservation. It outlines how the country will align its national wildlife management policies with international treaties, conventions, and agreements.
This section plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Kenya complies with its commitments to global environmental protection efforts, as well as the protection of biodiversity and endangered species.
Part XII: National Wildlife Conservation Status Report (Section 203)
This section institutionalizes accountability and transparency in Kenya’s wildlife management system by requiring the government to regularly assess, compile, and publicly share the status of the country’s wildlife resources and ecosystems.
It aims to provide a comprehensive national snapshot of the state of biodiversity, species populations, conservation efforts, threats, and policy implementation progress.
Part XIII: National Wildlife Tribunal (Sections 204-214)
Establishes the National Wildlife Tribunal as a specialized quasi-judicial body designed to handle disputes, appeals, and complaints arising under the provisions of the Act.
This section is critical to ensuring access to justice, accountability, and enforcement of wildlife-related laws and decisions made by regulatory bodies.
Part XIV: Enforcement and Compliance (Sections 215-223)
Provides a legal framework for ensuring adherence to the provisions of the Bill through structured enforcement mechanisms and compliance systems. This section strengthens Kenya’s ability to uphold wildlife laws by clearly assigning powers, responsibilities, and procedures to enforcement agencies and actors.
Part XV: Offences & Penalties (Sections 224-242)
This part outlines specific violations under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill, 2025, and the corresponding legal consequences. It is critical in deterring illegal activities related to wildlife and ensuring robust protection for Kenya’s natural heritage.
Part XVI: Miscellaneous (Sections 243-249)
Contains final, but essential, legal provisions that support the interpretation, implementation, and adaptability of the Act. Though titled “Miscellaneous,” this part ties up critical legal and administrative details that ensure the Bill can be fully operationalized across various scenarios.
Schedules
The Schedules of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill, 2025 provide the technical details, forms, procedural guidance, and supplementary information necessary for the practical implementation of the Act. They are appended at the end of the Bill and serve as legally binding extensions of the main clauses.
Schedules function as supporting frameworks; they do not introduce new laws but enable the enforcement and operationalization of various provisions contained within the core parts of the Bill.
TOP LINE COMMENTS
LINKED TO THEMATIC AREAS
Send Comments on the Wildlife Conservation & Management Bill, 2025
Enter your name below to generate an email regarding the Wildlife Conservation & Management Bill, 2025.
Your Voice Matters: Share Your Comments
This is your opportunity to ensure that your voice is heard and your views are reflected in the law. Submitting a comment is a direct action towards shaping policy, improving justice for communities, and securing Kenya’s biodiversity legacy.
Guide to Submit Your Comment
- Pick a section you want to comment on: E.g., Human-Wildlife Conflict (Part X), Wildlife Economy (Part VIII), Tribunal (Part XII). Use the “Arrangement of Sections” above to locate it.
- Compare with the 2013 Act (if needed): Use our comparison table to check what has changed from the Wildlife Act 2013.
- Check our Top Line Comments & Reviews.
- Write Your Comment Clearly: What’s a concern, gap, or unclear part? What do you propose instead? Or Copy & Paste our Topline Comments that resonate with you.
- Submit Your Comment on the BNG Website & also feel free to share your comments with the State Department of Wildlife.
We shall compile the comments and submit them to the State Department of Wildlife. Your Voice Matters! Make it Count!
Kenya's wildlife populations are currently not at a level, whether in numbers, diversity, or ecological health that can support expanded consumptive utilisation. Expanding consumptive utilisation contradicts the precautionary principle that underpins sound conservation policy and is scientifically and ethically unjustifiable.