Is hunting legal in Kenya?
Kenya Wildlife Service · sources read 4 Oct 2026
No. Killing wildlife is illegal in Kenya unless KWS has given written authority through a valid permit or licence, and offenders face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to KSh 20 million, or both. Rearing wild animals for trade (game farming) is a separate activity that needs its own licence.
- Where
- Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
Steps
- Don't kill, trap or shoot wild animals. Killing wildlife is illegal and strictly prohibited in Kenya.
- Killing, keeping or trading wildlife or its products is allowed only with written authority from the KWS Director General, through a valid permit or licence.
- To rear wild animals for trade (game farming) or keep them on a game ranch, register with the County Wildlife Conservation and Compensation Committee, then get a licence for that use.
Watch out
- The penalty for killing, possessing or trading wildlife without authority is up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to KSh 20 million, or both.
- In law, 'hunting' is more than killing: shooting at, injuring, deliberately disturbing a wild animal, or lying in wait for one all count.
- Bushmeat is risky as well as illegal: KWS warns wild animals can pass deadly diseases to people.
Who this covers
- Anyone doing any activity that uses wildlife, who needs a licence or permit under the Wildlife Act
Official sources (2)
- Wildlife Policing kws.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (No. 47 of 2013) new.kenyalaw.org · read 4 Oct 2026