The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) have launched a six-month live wildlife streaming initiative, "Experience Wonder Live From Kenya," to showcase Kenya's wildlife, protected areas, and conservation story to audiences globally. The initiative was officially highlighted by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano, during a live viewing at Nairobi National Park. This program aims to provide a new way of telling Kenya's tourism story by taking the safari experience beyond the physical visit.
The live streaming initiative, which began on September 7, features dedicated morning and afternoon programs showcasing Kenya's protected areas, including Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, the Aberdares, Sibiloi, Meru, Ruma, and Mount Elgon. The content reaches over 500,000 daily unique viewers across 16 global platforms, including DStv, YouTube, Samsung TV Plus, and Roku. This program will run for six months, rotating across various KWS protected areas and showcasing both iconic and lesser-known destinations.
The launch of the initiative coincided with World Rhino Day, with a focus on rhino conservation and the work being undertaken by KWS to secure the future of the species. CS Miano noted that World Rhino Day provided an opportunity to celebrate not only the species but also the rangers, communities, conservationists, tourism operators, and partners whose collective efforts make wildlife conservation possible. The initiative aims to build curiosity and appreciation for Kenya's wildlife while inspiring audiences to experience the country physically.
According to CS Miano, virtual tourism does not replace the physical safari but creates curiosity, builds connection, and inspires people to come and experience Kenya for themselves. KTB Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei said the initiative would help connect global audiences watching Kenya's wildlife with the wider tourism experiences available across the country. The broadcasts will feature morning and afternoon live sessions, giving audiences regular access to Kenya's wildlife and conservation landscapes.
The KWS Director General, Prof. Erustus Kanga, stated that the initiative offers an opportunity to give the world a closer look at the daily work of conservation. The program will create a digital library of live broadcasts, wildlife highlights, minidocumentaries, and tourism promotional films. From November, curriculum-linked virtual school safaris will further connect Kenyan and international students with Kenya's protected areas and conservation story.
The initiative reinforces Kenya's commitment to using digital innovation to expand the reach of its tourism and conservation story while encouraging audiences to move from watching Kenya to experiencing Kenya. Kenya's tourism industry has been growing, with earnings increasing by 20% to Ksh 452 billion last year. The ministry is also focusing on cultural tourism growth and intensifying tourism marketing to boost arrivals from Europe.
The "Experience Wonder Live From Kenya" initiative is a significant step towards promoting Kenya's tourism and conservation efforts globally. With its unique approach to showcasing Kenya's wildlife and protected areas, the program is expected to attract more international audiences and inspire them to visit Kenya. The initiative is a collaboration between KWS and KTB, demonstrating the government's commitment to promoting tourism and conservation in the country.
Key points
- The initiative aims to showcase Kenya's conservation efforts and attract international audiences.
- The program will run for six months, featuring various KWS protected areas.
- The initiative includes curriculum-linked virtual school safaris to connect students with Kenya's protected areas and conservation story.
