Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute

Background

The Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute (KWSTI) is one of the training units of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) based in Naivasha (a small lakeside tourist town surrounded by a busy horticultural and fishing industry) about 90 Km northwest of Nairobi. It was established in 1985 with the support of the World Bank and was originally known as the Naivasha Wildlife and Fisheries Training Institute, and operated under the then Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.

It was essentially an in-service training institution for the Departments of Wildlife and Fisheries, respectively, both of which fell under the same Ministry. The establishment of the Institute came as one of the policy recommendations contained in the Sessional Paper No.3 of 1975.

The Institute started functioning in 1985, when it admitted the first group of trainees who comprised newly appointed University graduate Assistant Wardens and Fisheries Officers on Induction programme. The programmes offered then ranged from short Refresher and ad hoc tailor-made programmes, to two-year Certificate programmes. In 1994, KWS took over the management of the Institute and later renamed it KWSTI in 1996.

KWSTI currently serves the nation as a medium-sized comprehensive tertiary Institute dedicated to excellence in all its programs and operations. It is a bio-diversity conservation and management centre in which knowledge is sought as well as taught.

Broadly, the objectives of the Institute are to offer:

• Basic, specialized and refresher programmes for KWS staff and its partners;
• Training and conducting research in Natural Resource Management in an effort to enhance conservation, management and sustainability of Kenya’s wildlife resources & their habitats;
• Hospitality services.

In the recent times, the Institute has expanded tremendously in its training profiles as exhibited by the large number of trainees and the increasing staff. Through linkages with other tertiary institutions both locally and internationally the institute has broadened the scope of its Certificate, Diploma and other training programmes. The expansion, modernization and improvement of the facilities has enhanced the Institute's capacity to collaborate in more field-based training programmes and research as well as improve its hospitality services.

 

Mission

"To be a leading training and consultancy centre in natural resource management and tourism development"

 

Vision
 

To provide highly specialized training and consultancy services in natural resources management and tourism development in partnership with stakeholders as well as providing high quality hospitality service 

Regular Academic Programs

Diploma Programmes

• Diploma in Wildlife Management (18 Months) -Minimum entry grade C-
• Diploma in Environmental Mgt. (18 Months) -Minimum entry grade C-
• Diploma in Tourism (18 Months) - Minimum entry grade C-
• Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (18 Months) -Minimum entry grade C-

Certificate Programmes

• Certificate in Tour Guiding (9 Months) -Minimum entry grade D+
• Certificate in Wildlife Sanctuary Management (9 Months) -Minimum entry grade D+
• Tourism Management and Eco-Tourism Development (4 Weeks)
• International Programme on African Wetland Management. (6 Weeks)

Tailor-made Programmes
KWSTI develops and executes in collaboration with stakeholders a variety of customised ad-hoc programmes for her clients upon request.
 

FEES STRUCTURE

TRAINING PROGRAMMES CURRENTLY RUNNING

Diploma in Wildlife Management

Programme aims

The programme aims at producing middle level wildlife managers by providing the appropriate kills, knowledge and aptitudes necessary to manage wildlife resources within protected and non-protected areas.

The programme takes into account the emerging challenges in wildlife (conservation and management) such as community participation, trade in endangered species, species versus ecosystem conservation concepts, transboundary conservation issues and the role of environmental impact assessment in wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, sustainable wildlife utilization and conflict management among others.

In basic terms this programme has been designed to provide capacity to the middle cadre managers in the wildlife sector so that they can professionally address wildlife conservation and management issues at local, national and international platform
 

Programme Objectives

At the end of this programme, trainees should be able to:

1. Appreciate wildlife as an important resource for socio-economic development
2. Appreciate the various concepts of wildlife conservation and management for the benefits of present and future generations
3. Apply the skills, knowledge and aptitudes to conserve, manage and protect wildlife and other natural resources at local, national and international levels
4. Understand the role and application of information and communication technology in wildlife conservation and management
5. Conceptualize, design, manage and evaluate conservation and research projects
6. Resolve and manage emerging issues in wildlife conservation and management
7. Apply the skill and knowledge gained and be able to work as a manager in any conservation/protected area, or as a biodiversity research scientist
8. Communicate effectively in the wildlife conservation and management sector and related issues
9. Apply ecological concepts and philosophy in the conservation and management of wildlife in terrestrial, aquatic and other ecosystems/habitats

Programme Duration
All Diploma Programmes run for a period of 18 months (divided into 4 semesters) and include a two months field attachment. 

Minimum Admission Requirements for all Diploma programmes
KCSE mean Grade of C- (minus) or its equivalent with at least a C- in any two of the following subjects: English/Chemistry/Biology/Physical Sciences/Geography or related subjects.  Candidates with a certificate from a recognized institution or having at least 3 years working experience in relevant fields and a minimum of a D+/Div IV may be considered after undergoing an evaluation.

Note
Tuition Fee is inclusive of Field Training Programmes in each semester.
Special Full Board Accommodation Rate is available for Non-corporate sponsored East African trainees. 

 

Diploma in Environmental Management

Programme aims

• The programme aims at producing middle level Environmental and Natural Resource Managers by providing the appropriate knowledge and skills necessary to manage environmental resources within the protected and non-protected areas.
• The programme covers all the major spheres of Environmental Conservation & Management. It is built on the concept of sustainable environmental resource management from the point of view of biological diversity, sustainable development and resource utilization, protection and restoration of habitats and ecosystems.
• In broad, this programme has been designed to provide capacity to the middle cadre managers in the natural resource sector so that they can professionally address environmental and natural resource conservation issues at local, national and international levels.

Programme Objectives
The Diploma in Environmental Management programme is designed to provide a broad based education to students who wish to pursue various careers in environment related fields having been equipped with knowledge in wise resource use, protection and enhancement of environmental quality.
It is hoped that by the end of the programme trainees will be qualified and able to:

1. Appreciate the environment in its totality and as the basis of our livelihoods
2. Disseminate information on environmental protection to various stakeholders
3. Manage the ecological systems that are highly susceptible to stress and degradation
4. Provide advisory capacity services on matters of environmental laws and policies.
5. Design appropriate intervention mechanisms and natural resource management plans to address natural resource degradation.
6. Apply knowledge in conducting environmental impact assessments and audits
7. Conduct and design natural resource assessments monitoring systems respectively
8. Pursue advanced training in environmental science and related fields

PROGRAMME DURATION
All Diploma Programmes run for a period of 18 months (divided into 4 semesters) and include a two months field attachment. 

Minimum Admission Requirements for all Diploma programmes
KCSE mean Grade of C- (minus) or its equivalent with at least a C- in any two of the following subjects: English/Chemistry/Biology/Physical Sciences/Geography or related subjects.  Candidates with a certificate from a recognized institution or having at least 3 years working experience in relevant fields and a minimum of a D+/Div IV may be considered after undergoing an evaluation.

Note
Tuition Fee is inclusive of Field Training Programmes in each semester.
Special Full Board Accommodation Rate is available for Non-corporate sponsored East African trainees.  

 

Diploma in Fisheries And Aquatic Sciences

The aim of this programme is to equip middle level fisheries practitioners with sufficient skills and knowledge for sustainable management of fisheries resources and enhanced fish production through Aquaculture practice.

Programme Duration
All Diploma Programmes run for a period of 18 months (divided into 4 semesters) and include a two months field attachment. 

Minimum Admission Requirements for all Diploma programmes
KCSE mean Grade of C- (minus) or its equivalent with at least a C- in any two of the following subjects: English/Chemistry/Biology/Physical Sciences/Geography or related subjects.  Candidates with a certificate from a recognized institution or having at least 3 years working experience in relevant fields and a minimum of a D+/Div IV may be considered after undergoing an evaluation.

Note
Tuition Fee is inclusive of Field Training Programmes in each semester.
Special Full Board Accommodation Rate is available for Non-corporate sponsored East African trainees. 
 

Diploma in Tourism Management

Programme aims

This programme is designed to equip the learner with knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to plan, organize, control and evaluate tourism activities and market tourism products and facilities to domestic and international travelers and tourists.

The programme takes into account the emerging challenges in the tourism industry, natural resource based tourism, impacts of tourism on the environment, challenges of eco-tourism and sustainable tourism development, hotel management and hospitality. It equips the learner with knowledge, skills and attitudes to perform supervisory and managerial duties to meet the needs of the expanding and dynamic tourism industry with specific reference to East Africa

In a broad sense the programme develops capacity for middle cadre managers in the tourism sector so that they are able to professionally address development and management issues at local, national and international platform.

Programme Objectives
By the end of this programme the learner should be able to:

1. Appreciate tourism as a social economic activity
2. Appreciate the various components of the tourism industry
3. Apply the knowledge and skills to develop and promote tourism products
4. Apply the managerial concepts in tourism
5. Understand the role of information and communication technology in tourism sustainability
6. Appreciate the effective use of a foreign language as a means of tourism promotion
7. Apply the concepts of tour and travel operations in quality tourist service provision
8. Demonstrate effective communication skills
9. Apply strategies from the conservation of tourism resources
10. Appreciate self employment as an alternative to salaried employment
11. Appreciate the dynamism of tourism industry

Programme Duration
All Diploma Programmes run for a period of 18 months (divided into 4 semesters) and include a two months field attachment. 

Minimum Admission Requirements for all Diploma programmes
KCSE mean Grade of C- (minus) or its equivalent with at least a C- in any two of the following subjects: English/Chemistry/Biology/Physical Sciences/Geography or related subjects.  Candidates with a certificate from a recognized institution or having at least 3 years working experience in relevant fields and a minimum of a D+/Div IV may be considered after undergoing an evaluation.

Note
Tuition Fee is inclusive of Field Training Programmes in each semester.
Special Full Board Accommodation Rate is available for Non-corporate sponsored East African trainees. 

Certificate in Tour Guiding 

Programme aims
This is a nine-month theoretical and field oriented certificate programme that targets people interested in basic tour guiding skills. The goal of this programme is to equip the trainee with knowledge and skills necessary for professional tour guiding in a way that enhances both client satisfaction and environmental quality.

By the end of the programme the trainee will be well versed with theoretical and practical aspects to be able to demonstrate professional tour guiding ethics and acquire vital entrepreneurial skills to initiate and run a Small and Medium Sized Tourism Enterprises.

It is designed as a bridging programme in a basic elementary Tourism Management for persons in the field but with no formal training in tour guiding.

Programme Objectives
By the end of this programme the learner should be able to:-

1. Apply relevant knowledge, skills and attitude necessary for the tour guiding profession
2. Demonstrate professional ethics with regards to tour guiding
3. Relate the role of cultural and natural heritage as tourism resources
4. Apply information technology for effective communication
5. Identify and manage various challenges facing the tour guiding profession and the tourism industry
6. Apply entrepreneurial skills to initiate and run a Small and Medium Sized Tourism enterprises

Programme Duration:
The two Certificate Programmes run for a period of 9 months (divided into 2 semesters) and include field attachment. 

Minimum Admission Requirements for the two certificates is a KCSE mean Grade of D+ or its equivalent, and at least a D+ in any two of the following subjects-: English/Geography/ Biology/Chemistry/Physical Sciences or related subjects.  Candidates with at least 3 years working experience in relevant fields and a minimum of D- may be considered after undergoing an evaluation.

Tuition Fee is inclusive of Field Training Programmes in each semester.
Special Full Board Accommodation Rate is available for Non-corporate sponsored East African trainees. 

Certificate in Wildlife Sanctuary Management
 

Programme aims

The certificate programme in Wildlife Sanctuary Management is a nine month theoretical and practical programme designed to produce junior level managers with practical knowledge, skills and attitudes in matters pertaining to wildlife management.  In recognition of the wide and immense importance of wildlife locally and globally, the importance of the competent Wildlife Management personnel cannot be underscored. 

By the end of the programme the trainee will be well versed with theoretical and practical aspects of wildlife Management and should be able to manage a sanctuary based on sound integrated ecological concepts so as to conserve biodiversity as relates to sanctuaries, ranches and game farms for posterity.

The programme is designed as a bridging programme in a basic elementary Wildlife Management to those already in the field but with no formal training in Wildlife conservation and Management.

Programme Objectives
By the end of the programme trainees should be able to:

1. Apply ecological Principles in conservation and management of wildlife in and outside protected areas
2. Initiate appropriate conservation measures based on  sound scientific principles
3. Apply information technology for effective communication
4. Relate wildlife natural history and their different values and benefits for biodiversity conservation 

Programme Duration:
The two Certificate Programmes run for a period of 9 months (divided into 2 semesters) and include field attachment. 

Minimum Admission Requirements for the two certificates is a KCSE mean Grade of D+ or its equivalent, and at least a D+ in any two of the following subjects-: English/Geography/ Biology/Chemistry/Physical Sciences or related subjects.  Candidates with at least 3 years working experience in relevant fields and a minimum of D- may be considered after undergoing an evaluation.

Tuition Fee is inclusive of Field Training Programmes in each semester.
Special Full Board Accommodation Rate is available for Non-corporate sponsored East African trainees. 

 

SHORT PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES

• Tourism Management and Eco-Tourism Development Programme
• International Programme on African Wetland Management
• Several tailor made adhoc programmes in collaborations with various stakeholders

Tourism Management and Eco-Tourism Development Programme

KWSTI is pleased to announce the above programme. This programme has been specially designed to equip tourism practitioners and their staff with the appropriate skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to address multiple issues and challenges in the tourism industry.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS
The programme is designed for people working in the Tourism industry and Conservation sectors in both the Public and Private Sectors.

PROGRAMME SET-UP   
This is a residential programme consisting of a mixture of lectures, participatory discussions and field excursions. The programme focuses on a wide range of subjects and topics that will enhance the participant's capacity to effectively handle functions and responsibilities that pertain to planning and managing of tourism activities, eco-tourism development and linking biodiversity conservation with tourism among other modules.

PROGRAMME DATES: September every year
Application forms are available at the principal’s office or www.kws.go.ke at a non-refundable fee of KES. 1,500 (US$30 for non-East Africans).

FEES STRUCTURE       
East Africans     Kshs. 95,000.00 Non-East Africans    USD.    1,700.00
Covers tuition, meals, accommodation and field excursions    

International Course on African Wetland Management

The International Programme on African Wetland Management (ICAWM) is a Ramsar endorsed training initiative for wetland practitioners designed along the current guidelines for Management Planning for the Ramsar Sites and other wetlands.

The programme is aimed at building capacity for enhanced management of Africa’s wetlands. This is an international programme planned and executed by KWSTI (the Programme secretariat)-Kenya, the Wetlands Management Department of Uganda and the Wildlife Division of Tanzania and the Centre for Water Management of the Netherlands.

Target particiants
The programme is designed for people involved in:-

• Coastal and inland wetland management
• Wetlands, wildlife, environment, water resource, forestry and fisheries officers as well as planners in regional and local authorities and NGOs within and outside Africa;
• Persons acquainted with biodiversity and natural resource management knowledge and training.

Programme Duration and Costs
This is a residential programme that lasts 42 days (6 weeks). The fee charged is USD 3000, and this includes tuition and full board accommodation. The fee does not cover travel expenses, health cover or personal expenses (DSA)
The language of instruction is ENGLISH

Programme dates: September every year
Programme venue: KWSTI Naivasha
 

Contacts

Principal,
Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute,
P.O. Box 842 Naivasha,Kenya
Tel.+254-050-2020267/2020577/2021329
Fax.+254-050-2021328
E-mail: principal@kwsti.ac.ke