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By Boniface Mulu

Kitui County, Kenya:  – Hundreds of residents from Kitui and Makueni Counties attended a public participation forum on the review of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (Cap 376) at the Kitui Multipurpose Development Training Institute.

The event, organized by the State Department for Wildlife under the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, was presided over by Kitui Central District Commissioner Dorcas Rono, representing County Commissioner Kipchumba Ruto.

Modernizing Wildlife Governance

Kabaka Mukonyi, the Review Team Leader, delivered a speech on behalf of Principal Secretary Silvia Museiya, emphasizing the importance of public input in shaping the proposed Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2025.

“Under Articles 10 and 118 of Kenya’s Constitution, public participation is both a legal and ethical duty,” Museiya stated. “This review aims to modernize wildlife governance, conservation, benefit-sharing, and human-wildlife conflict resolution.”

The ministry has been conducting nationwide forums from May 7–26, 2025, following a gazette notice on April 22, 2025. The proposed bill seeks to address challenges such as:

  • Human-wildlife conflicts

  • Climate change impacts

  • Habitat loss

  • Outdated laws

  • Inequitable benefit-sharing

“Wildlife is a key economic pillar, yet reforms are needed to strengthen governance, financing, and community empowerment,” Museiya added.

Key Stakeholder Contributions

Mukonyi commended attendees, including conservation groups, universities, and local communities, for their active participation. “Research and community input are vital—this is your resource, and Kenyans must benefit,” he said.

Soita Wafuke, Assistant Team Leader, highlighted government efforts, including:

  • Fencing wildlife conservancies (Kenya has 230 conservancies)

  • Compensating wildlife attack victims

  • Training KWS officers to manage dangerous animals

  • Regulating wildlife farming, which contributes revenue

County-Specific Concerns

Hezron Mulatya, Kitui County Tourism Deputy Director, raised critical issues:

  • Snakebite compensation: Kitui records the highest snakebite cases; he urged faster payouts and re-listing snakes under Schedule III (animals warranting compensation).

  • Reserves vs. Parks: Clarified that county governments manage national reserves, while national parks fall under the national government.

  • Praised the Wildlife Conservation Fund (WCF) for supporting conservation.

DC Dorcas Rono thanked participants, stressing the need for inclusive, practical laws to safeguard wildlife and communities.

“Your voices ensure this law aligns with Kenya’s Constitution and global commitments,” she said before closing the forum.

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