President William Ruto has ordered Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano to fast-track the review of licenses for investors operating national parks in the country.
Ruto, who spoke during the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Rangers’ Passout Parade in Manyani, Taita Taveta County, on Tuesday, December 3, said the licenses must be reviewed to reflect the current situation in the country.
President Ruto also stated that the review of the operation licenses was necessary to unlock more opportunities including financial resources to boost the sector.
According to him, the review would ensure that both investors and the Kenya Wildlife Service mutually benefit from the revenues generated by the national parks.
“I now take this opportunity to ask the Ministry of Tourism to provide the policy direction on making sure that we unlock the tremendous opportunity that exists in the KWS assets,” Ruto said.
“Leases must be reviewed, I am happy there is progress that the leases granted persons operating in the parks have been reviewed to reflect the current situation and make sure we unlock the necessary financial resources,” he added.
The Head of State further urged the Ministry of Tourism to enhance infrastructural development within national parks by establishing robust Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
He said the Public-Private Initiatives were significant in creating sustainable, competitive tourism products and enhancing the capacity of the parks.
Despite his directive on license reviews, President Ruto commended the ministry for utilising its internally generated revenue to finance most of its operations.
“I urge the KWS Board and management to build on this achievement and, with the same focus and dedication, intensify their efforts to achieve full financial self-sustainability within the next two years, thereby eliminating reliance on exchequer support,” Ruto said.
He also lauded KWS for its commitment to end poaching, terming it a remarkable success that has since breathed new life into animal species that were once on the brink of extinction.
According to Ruto, In 2020, Kenya recorded zero rhino poaching cases, a landmark achievement after years of battling corrupt and vicious criminal syndicates.
