KWS Upgrades Nairobi Animal Orphanage – What It Means for Wildlife Conservation

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced plans to relocate and significantly upgrade the historic Nairobi Animal Orphanage, which has served as a rescue and rehabilitation centre since 1964.

The current facility occupies 7.4 acres within Nairobi National Park. The new site will expand to 89 acres — still within the park — representing just 0.31% of the park's total area. KWS says the upgrade is driven by increasing wildlife rescue cases that have placed pressure on ageing infrastructure.

The upgraded facility will feature modern animal enclosures replacing outdated cage-based structures, expanded quarantine and nursery areas, and improved veterinary services. KWS has outlined a clear care pathway for rescued animals: from initial rescue and veterinary assessment, through quarantine and rehabilitation, to eventual release back into the wild where possible.

Addressing concerns raised by conservation groups, KWS clarified that the new facility will be built on open grassland — not forest — and that the existing orphanage site will be restored and revegetated once operations move. An Environmental Impact Assessment was approved by NEMA in 2025, with public participation recording an 85% approval rating.
KWS maintains the facility will remain free of commercial activity and open to schools, universities, and the general public.

Source: The Star Kenya – KWS defends Nairobi Animal Orphanage relocation, says no park land will be lost (June 7, 2026)