The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is a state corporation in Kenya with the primary mandate of conserving and managing wildlife and their habitats. This includes a vast network of national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries. These protected areas cover approximately 8% of Kenya’s total landmass, ranging from savannah grasslands and marine ecosystems to mountain forests and deserts.
KWS manages different categories of protected areas, each with a specific purpose:
- National Parks: These areas are designated for the exclusive purpose of wildlife conservation and are managed by the national government. Examples include Nairobi National Park, a unique urban wildlife sanctuary, and Tsavo National Park, one of the largest protected areas in the world.
- National Reserves: These are also protected areas but are typically managed by the county government in collaboration with KWS. While they still focus on conservation, they often have a more integrated approach with local communities, allowing for certain land uses and benefit-sharing.
- Marine National Parks & Reserves: Located along Kenya’s coastline, these areas protect delicate marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and diverse marine life.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Smaller, highly protected areas often created for a specific purpose, such as rehabilitating orphaned or injured animals.
| Name of Park | Location |
| Aberdare National Park | Nyeri/Nyandarua |
| Amboseli National Park | Kajiado |
| Central Island National Park | Lake Turkana |
| Chyulu Hills National Park | Kibwezi |
| Hells Gate National Park | Naivasha |
| Kakamega Forest National Reserve | Kakamega |
| Kakamega Impala Sanctuary | Shimoni, Kwale |
| Kisumu Impala Sanctuary | Kisumu |
| Kiunga Marine National Reserve | Lamu |
| Kora National Park | Meru/Tana River |
| Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary | Elementaita |
| Lake Nakuru National Park | Nakuru |
| Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve | Malindi |
| Malindi Marine National Park | Malindi |
| Marsabit National Park | Marsabit |
| Meru National Park | Meru/Tharaka Nithi |
| Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve | Mombasa |
| Mount Elgon National Park | Bungoma/Trans-Nzoia |
| Mount Kenya National Park | Nyeri/Nanyuki/Chogoria |
| Mount Longonot National Park | Mai Mahiu |
| Mwea National Reserve | Embu |
| Nairobi Animal Orphanage | Nairobi |
| Nairobi National Park | Nairobi |
| Nairobi Safari Walk | Nairobi |
| Ruma National Park | Kisumu |
| Saiwa Swamp National Park | Donyo Sabuk Centre |
| Shimba Hills National Reserve | Homa Bay |
| Sibiloi National Park | Kwale |
| South Island National Park | Kwale |
| Tsavo East National Park | Lake Turkana |
| Tsavo West National Park | Lake Turkana |
| Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve | Voi |
| Mtito Andei | Watamu |