NAIROBI – In a move that could fundamentally reshape Kenya’s approach to wildlife conservation, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua on Tuesday unveiled a controversial proposal to privatize sections of national parks and reintroduce regulated high-value trophy hunting. The announcement, made at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) headquarters in Nairobi, has triggered immediate backlash from conservation groups who warn it could dismantle nearly five decades of environmental policy.

 Dr. Mutua outlined the “Wildlife Asset Monetization Programme,” arguing it is a necessary measure to address a severe funding crisis within KWS. The agency has reportedly faced a significant budget deficit, with a July 2025 report indicating an annual shortfall of KSh 12 billion. “This review is not just about revenue—it is about the survival of our wildlife and the resilience of our conservation systems,” a KWS statement noted earlier in the year, defending proposed park fee hikes.

The proposed programme has two core components: leasing designated, “under-utilized” areas within national parks and reserves to private investors for the development of luxury tourism facilities, and establishing a legal framework for trophy hunting of specific non-endangered species. Dr. Mutua projected the initiative could inject an estimated KSh 50 billion annually into the economy, directly funding KWS operations and supporting community development projects.

This marks a dramatic departure from Kenya’s long-held conservationist identity, anchored by a comprehensive ban on all forms of wildlife hunting enacted in 1977 to combat rampant poaching that decimated elephant populations. Dr. Mutua has previously been a staunch defender of the ban, stating in February 2024 that the idea of hunting as a sport was “long gone” and “unacceptable.” His new stance represents a significant policy reversal, aligning with arguments that wildlife must generate economic value to ensure its protection.

A Nation Divided: Conservation vs. Commerce

The proposal was met with immediate and forceful opposition from leading conservation advocates. Dr. Paula Kahumbu, CEO of WildlifeDirect and a renowned conservationist, condemned the plan as a grave threat to Kenya's natural heritage. “This is a perilous step backwards. Trophy hunting does not solve conservation funding issues; it creates a market for wildlife parts and undermines the ethical foundation of our conservation efforts,” Dr. Kahumbu stated in a press release issued Tuesday afternoon. Her organization has long campaigned against the commodification of wildlife, advocating for justice for both wildlife and people.

Critics point to the risks of habitat destruction, increased human-wildlife conflict, and the potential for corruption. There are also concerns that privatization could follow a controversial model seen in other parts of Africa, where foreign-led NGOs have been accused of marginalizing local communities and acting like “a state within a state.” The debate taps into a sensitive, long-standing issue in Kenya: who benefits from wildlife resources and how to balance economic development with environmental preservation.

However, proponents of the plan, including some stakeholders in the tourism sector, argue that innovative funding models are essential. The tourism industry is a critical pillar of Kenya's economy, contributing over KSh 1 trillion to the GDP in 2023 and projected to grow. With international tourist arrivals expected to reach 3 million in 2025, generating projected earnings of KSh 560 billion, the government is under pressure to ensure the sector's sustainability. Supporters suggest that private investment could modernize park infrastructure and enhance visitor experiences, which aligns with the goals of the National Tourism Blueprint 2030.

Economic Pressures and Political Fallout

The government's proposal comes as KWS struggles with financial instability. An Auditor-General's report for the year ended June 30, 2024, highlighted an under-funding of KSh 1.7 billion and noted that the agency's budget was insufficient to cover all its operational needs. Historically, KWS has relied heavily on tourism revenue, which makes it vulnerable to global shocks, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when it required a government bailout.

The political implications are significant. The proposal is expected to face intense scrutiny in Parliament, with opposition figures likely to frame it as the selling of national assets. Community leaders, particularly from pastoralist groups living adjacent to major parks like Amboseli and the Maasai Mara, are also expected to demand a central role in any new framework, citing historical grievances over land and resource allocation.

As the details of the “Wildlife Asset Monetization Programme” are debated in the coming weeks, Kenya finds itself at a critical crossroads. The decision will not only determine the future of its iconic wildlife and protected areas but will also send a powerful message to the world about the nation's priorities in an era of increasing economic and environmental pressure.