Nairobi, May 11 -- In 2024, the country welcomed 2.4 million international visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and reclaiming its status as East Africa's leading tourism destination. Tourism earnings soared to Sh452.2 billion, while the wider travel and tourism sector contributed an estimated Sh1.2 trillion to the economy and supported 1.7 million jobs.

These figures represent more than recovery. They reaffirm Kenya's global standing as one of the world's premier wildlife and nature destinations.

Yet beneath this impressive resurgence lies a dangerous contradiction. The wildlife that powers Kenya's tourism success is increasingly under threat.

Northern Kenya's vast network of community conservancies has been one of Africa's most c...