The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) defended the ongoing relocation and upgrade of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, terming allegations circulating online as “misleading, unfounded, and inflammatory.”
In a public statement, the agency responded to claims by a lobby group, Friends of Nairobi National Park, which had alleged that upland forest within Nairobi National Park was being destroyed to pave way for the project.
KWS clarified that the initiative is a long-term, legally approved plan aimed at improving wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and visitor experience.
The agency stated that the project is anchored in the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, which mandates it to manage wildlife while maintaining high welfare standards.
It further noted that a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted in line with the Environmental Management and Coordination Act.
The assessment included stakeholder engagement and was submitted to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which approved the project and issued an EIA licence in December 2025.
KWS explained that the existing orphanage, established in 1964, has become outdated due to rising visitor numbers and evolving international animal welfare standards.
The relocation, first conceptualized in 2013, is intended to align with global standards set by bodies such as the World Organisation for Animal Health and the International Union for Conservation of Nature
It will also provide larger, more natural enclosures for animals, reduce congestion and improve safety for visitors and enhance efficiency in wildlife rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation, the statement added.
The upgraded Nairobi Animal Orphanage will include modern, spacious animal enclosures, a fully equipped veterinary unit and wildlife hospital, quarantine and nursery sections for rescued animals, designated release areas to support rewilding, improved visitor infrastructure such as walkways, rest areas, and sanitation, sustainable waste management systems and outdoor learning and conservation education spaces.
The project is also expected to create over 500 direct jobs, alongside additional opportunities for service providers, a statement said.
KWS noted that the current orphanage site will be restored and rewilded to strengthen the ecological integrity of Nairobi National Park.
The new facility will also be strategically located near the Bomas International Convention Centre, enhancing accessibility and integrating conservation with Nairobi’s broader tourism offerings.
KWS emphasized that the project aligns with its constitutional and statutory mandate to conserve wildlife for present and future generations.
The agency maintained that the relocation is not only necessary but represents a forward-looking investment in conservation, education, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunity.
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