Ruto Orders Construction of 5 New Luxury Hotels In Tsavo West
President William Ruto has proposed the construction of five new “high-end” hotels within the Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary, as part of a larger effort to increase national tourism earnings in the region.
President Ruto stated during the launching of the sanctuary in Ngulia, Taita Taveta County, that the new site will attract high-end tourists.
The sanctuary’s accommodation fees are likely to vary between $500 and $1,000 (roughly Ksh.65,000 to Ksh.129,000) per day, equivalent to premium rates in the Maasai Mara.
President Ruto: Five new high-end hotels will be built within Tsavo National Park, with tourists paying between $500 and $1,000 per day. There will be no hotels here charging Ksh2,000 or Ksh3,000. We want to maximize revenue so that it benefits the local community. pic.twitter.com/URdiJeAUr2
— KBC Channel 1 News (@KBCChannel1) December 9, 2025
“All tourists will now pay top dollar, which will be at an additional rate from the current rates. I have been briefed by the KWS that there will be five new hotels that will be built within this park,” President Ruto said.
“Those will be high-end hotels that would mandate visitors to pay between USD 500 and USD 1000 per day. That is what will be paid and is also currently being paid in the Maasai Mara.”
The Head of State stated that the government will no longer allow low-cost hotels in the sanctuary.
He went on to say that the change to upmarket tourism is meant to maximize earnings, which will allow for more long-term support for local communities.
“We have agreed in my directives to the KWS that there will be no hotels here charging Ksh.2,000 or Ksh.3,000. We want to raise our revenue so that it can reach the local community,” he said.
The Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) and the Ministry of Tourism are now expected to carry out the directions, ensuring that the new hotels satisfy international standards.
President Ruto also authorized the KWS and Ministry to create a carbon credit trading framework that will combine the Tsavo East, West, and Galana Kulalu landscapes into a single conservation and carbon-trading zone.
He stated that the effort intends to create more revenue that will benefit both conservation and local livelihoods.
President Ruto: Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary is already creating jobs in ranger deployment, surveillance, fencing, road works, construction and logistics. By 2030, it is projected to create more than 18,000 jobs and generate over Ksh. 5.8 billion in conservancy and tourism revenue. pic.twitter.com/pgrKhAV5es
— KBC Channel 1 News (@KBCChannel1) December 9, 2025
“I also direct that the necessary team develop a carbon credits trading plan covering Tsavo East and West, Galana Kulalu to be made into a single zone so that we can have a harmonised zone to get carbon credits so that the locals can benefit,” noted Ruto.
The government also intends to use revenue from hotel fees and carbon trading to improve wildlife conservation and infrastructure across the Tsavo habitat.
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This includes the construction of wildlife corridors and dams to support animals during droughts.
The expansion, now covering more than 3,200 square kilometres, is essential to addressing congestion that has threatened the species for years.
Over 80 per cent of Kenya’s Black Rhinos have been living in overcrowded sanctuaries, reducing breeding potential and increasing the risks of territorial conflict.
By 2030, it is projected to create more than 18,000 jobs and generate over $45 million (approximately Ksh. 6 billion) in conservancy and tourism revenue.
Ruto Orders Construction of 5 New Luxury Hotels In Tsavo West
