NAIVASHA, Kenya – Due to an increase in enrolment and growing operating costs in learning institutions, the Kenyan government is under increasing pressure to provide more funding for students.
The latest call was made by Principal Secretary, State Department for Wildlife, Sylvia Museiya, who petitioned the National Government to support needy students undertaking courses in conservation and tourism disciplines.
PS Museiya observed that education financing for students in training institutions under the Ministry has been a long-standing challenge.
“The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has established a Tourism Revolving Fund financed by the Tourism Fund and managed by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB),” said PS Museiya.
Speaking on Friday, March 27, 2026, during the 23rd graduation for the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) in Naivasha, the PS disclosed that the scheme aims to support needy students undertaking courses in conservation and tourism disciplines.
She stated that trainees at the institute are beneficiaries of the innovative funding mechanism.
“However, the financial allocation to the scheme is limited, and we urge the Government to consider additional funding for all students, with a similar arrangement to that of TVET institutions in the Ministry of Education,” the PS appealed.
The Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013
PS Museiya, who represented Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano at the event, observed that the sustainability of wildlife ecosystems in supporting community livelihoods and contributing to economic expansion is dependent on a skilled workforce.
“This is a key role of this Institute, as outlined in the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013. I am happy that the Institute is growing steadily as a center of excellence in wildlife research, training, and innovation,” she added.
She reiterated that the current review of the Act will aim to strengthen the training mandate, especially programs that target local communities, who are the custodians of wildlife resources.
“Kenya’s wildlife is a symbol of immense national pride and a key pillar of our economy and sustainable development. Wildlife ecosystems contribute significantly to tourism, which remains one of the country’s leading foreign exchange earners and a major source of livelihoods for local communities,” explained PS Museiya.
Speaking at the same time, the Institute’s director/CEO, Dr Patrick Omondi, said the institution was grateful for the support received through the Tourism Fund, which has facilitated student financing through HELB.
“To date, funding amounting to over Sh15 million has been disbursed, easing the financial burden on students and enabling more young people to pursue careers in the wildlife sector. This partnership remains critical in ensuring that no deserving student is left behind,” said Dr Omondi.
WRTI pushes for additional students’ funding
While echoing PS Museiya’s remarks, Dr Omondi appealed for greater support to specialised TVET institutions such as WRTI.
“There is a need for equitable access to Government funding, including student financing through HELB, capitation, and infrastructure development, particularly in the construction of student hostels. Such support will enable us to expand our capacity and better serve national priorities in wildlife conservation and tourism,” Dr Omondi explained.
Meanwhile, PS Museiya further observed that building strong partnerships with stakeholders in the wildlife and tourism sectors is an important focus of her Ministry.
She noted that this is especially in recognition that training programs must be responsive to the needs of the two sectors.
“To this end, I applaud the Institute for its active engagement with various partners in training and capacity-building initiatives,” said PS Museiya.
The PS indicated that several partners have also provided the much-needed financial support to students, especially from marginalised conservation communities.
“I urge the management to continue in this direction as they strengthen and develop more formidable partnerships,” emphasised PS Museiya while observing that the new graduates are the future of Kenya’s wildlife and tourism sectors.
