Can you keep a wild animal as a pet, or buy bushmeat?
Kenya Wildlife Service · sources read 4 Oct 2026
No, not without a KWS permit or licence. Keeping or dealing in a live wild animal without one carries a fine of at least KSh 1 million, at least 12 months in prison, or both (heavier for endangered species), and simply buying wildlife meat or eggs is an offence with a fine of up to KSh 1 million or 12 months in prison.
- Where
- Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), toll-free 0800 597 000
Steps
- Any wildlife-use activity, including keeping a wild animal, needs a licence or permit issued under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act.
- To keep, kill or trade wildlife legally you need written authorisation from the KWS Director General, through a valid permit or licence.
- Report suspected illegal killing, trade or trafficking of wildlife to KWS.
- The KWS toll-free line is 0800 597 000, open 24 hours.
Watch out
- KWS says offenders face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to KSh 20 million, or both.
- Poaching for bushmeat is illegal whether it is for your own food or for sale.
- Eating bushmeat is also a health risk: wild animals can pass diseases to people.
- Keeping (possessing) or dealing in a live wild animal without a permit or exemption: a fine of at least KSh 1 million, at least 12 months in prison, or both.
- For a critically endangered or endangered species, possession without a permit carries a fine of at least KSh 3 million, at least 5 years in prison, or both; dealing in a live one carries at least 3 years in prison.
- Buying wildlife meat or eggs is itself an offence: a fine of up to KSh 1 million, 12 months in prison, or both.
- Selling or otherwise dealing in bushmeat without a permit carries at least 3 years in prison.
Official sources (3)
- Wildlife policing kws.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Alert on Increased Incidences of Human Wildlife Conflict kws.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (Cap. 376, formerly No. 47 of 2013) new.kenyalaw.org · read 4 Oct 2026