Conservation Education

One of the core functions of KWS is to provide wildlife education and extension services to the public for their support in wildlife conservation. This contributes overall to the KWS mandate in terms of enhancing wildlife conservation, protection, and management, improving KWS’s linkages, recognition and relationships with stakeholders.

KWS has established education centres in Nairobi, Nakuru, Tsavo east and Meru National Parks and information centres in Saiwa Swamp, Kakamega, Hells Gate, Tsavo west, Malindi, Watamu, Kisite, Kiunga and Arabuko Sokoke. The centres officer conservation education programmes and hostel facilities to schools and organized groups. In addition, Animal orphanage, Nairobi Safari walk and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary offer similar programmes.

Challenges facing conservation are increasing by the day. Changing lifestyles have led our populations to be disconnected from matters of conservation of wildlife and its habitats. To most students, teachers and others, a visit to the parks is a learning experience. In addition to enjoying the parks, they come looking for information and educational materials on various aspects of wildlife and their habitats. Kenya Wildlife Service Education department is a source of all these and more.

There are five education centres and twelve information centres located in various national parks and reserves. These are Education Centres

• Nairobi Animal Orphanage
• Nairobi Safari Walk
• Murera Education Centre
• Tsavo East Education Centre
• Tsavo West Education Centre
• Lake Nakuru Education Centre

 Information Centres

• Aberdares N. Park
• Arabuko Sokoke
• Watamu Marine Reserve
• Malindi Marine Park
• Kisite
• Hells Gate N. Park
• Saiwa Swamp N. park
• Mt Elgon N. Park
• Kakamega Forest N. Reserve
• Kisumu Impala
• Ruma N. Park
• Kiunga Marine Reserve

Education Programs

The education and Information centres have various programs to promote and create  an understanding of wildlife, their habitats and the need for conservation. We also aim to win support for wildlife conservation and community participation in conservation efforts.

At the centres, various topics are discussed with students to create the necessary awareness. These include - the importance of healthy environments, water availability and usage, biodiversity and its importance and also wildlife biology and behavior important for co-existence between man and wildlife. We also carry out interpretative tours and game drives.

These provide the park visitors with opportunities to connect and understand nature thus enhancing enjoyment of the park and appreciation of conservation efforts. Parks are outdoor classrooms that offer students a lifetime opportunity of learning about nature and to participate in activities that enhance the wellbeing of the ecosystems.