Intrepid Travel's East Africa General Manager Samuel Karani speaking at the sidelines of the March/HANDOUT
The players in Kenya's tourism industry now want more financing channeled towards conservation if the country is to maintain its tourism stature in the region.
Intrepid Travel's East Africa General Manager Samuel Karani said that the contributions from the tourism sector alone are insufficient to sustain conservation efforts.
The country has been pumping funds towards conservation, even as realities of Climate Change continue to bite. For instance, Sh10.15 billion and Sh14.3 billion were allocated in the national budget for forest conservation in 2022-23 and 2023/2024, respectively.
“And you're saying, we want to raise a voice; we are stakeholders in this industry, but clearly it's everybody's job, everybody's responsibility to be able to play a part here and there,” said Karani.
He added that it's not only tourism that has contributed to the degradation of the environment that is now leading to a climate emergency.
"We, as stakeholders, are committed to raising funds for conservation, ensuring they are directed to the right projects with ethical governance and proper utilisation. Even with limited resources, responsible management can achieve significant impact," added Karani.
He was speaking during a conservation initiative in Kenya that raised Sh2.5 million in its inaugural event to help in the fight against environmental degradation and climate change.
The impactful march held on International Women’s Day brought together over 200 conservationists, tourism professionals, and local community members to raise funds for underfunded conservation projects and support women.
Organised by Intrepid Travel through its foundation, The Intrepid Foundation, the march underscored the urgent need to invest in women-led initiatives that play a crucial role in safeguarding nature and promoting sustainable travel.
Despite the success of this event, the issue of conservation funding continues to be at risk due to shifting global priorities and economic downturns.
Karani emphasized the deep connection between tourism and conservation, highlighting that the success of the wildlife-based tourism sector depends on the health of natural ecosystems.
According to Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), in 2023, Kenya earned Sh352.5 billion (USD 2.7 billion) from tourism, largely fueled by its breathtaking natural scenery and wildlife.
The agriculture sector contributed Sh526 billion (USD 4.1 billion), with Kenya’s fertile landscapes playing a crucial role.
Additionally, Kenya’s mangrove forests, covering approximately 60,000 hectares, have an estimated annual value of Sh 270,000 per hectare (USD 2,100).
The Mau, Cherangany, and Mt. Elgon ecosystems alone boast a Total Economic Value (TEV) of Sh350 billion per year (USD 2.6 billion).
![[PHOTOS] Ruto enjoys lunch with kids in Nairobi](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.radioafrica.digital%2Fimage%2F2025%2F03%2F9151ed89-5cd7-488b-b61c-73c381766c74.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
