Imagine your job description summarized as taking care of nature. That’s the work of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). They manage and protect Kenya’s wildlife for the benefit of both Kenyans and the world.

Occasionally, KWS recruits new members from the public who meet specific qualifications. The 2024 recruitment took place from Monday, April 15th, to Friday, April 19th.

In this article, we’ll outline the requirements for applying for a cadet or ranger position within KWS. We’ll also break down the application process and discuss the average starting salary for successful applicants.

1. Cadets – KWS Job Grade ‘9’

Applicants must:

• Be Kenyan citizens
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree, minimum 2nd class honours lower division (from a reputable institution) in:
  • Wildlife Management
  • Natural Resources Management
  • Environmental Science
  • Range Management
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Tourism Management
  • Education
  • Sociology or Community Development
• Be 28 years old and below.
• Be of good health and physique.
• Have no criminal record.

2. Rangers – KWS Job Grade ’15’

Applicants must:

• Be Kenyan citizens
• Have a Kenyan National ID/Passport.
• Have scored a minimum grade of D plain in KCSE or its equivalent from a recognized exam body.
• Be aged between 18 and 26 years.
• Be physically and medically fit.
• Have no criminal record.

Additional Qualities

1. Applicants must have a sound character as they will be responsible for representing KWS in various capacities
2. Applicants must value communication and teamwork skills
3. Applicants must be passionate about wildlife conservation

KWS set to increase Nairobi National Park fees from Sh. 430 to Sh. 2,000

How to Apply

1. Obtain the application form by downloading it from the KWS website or collecting it from a nearby National Park
2. Fill out the application form.
3. Attach copies of relevant:
   • Academic and professional certificates
   • Testimonials
   • National ID or Passport
   • A detailed CV
4. Submit the complete application form together with the attachments
   • Cadets are required to Mail or Email their applications to KWS Headquarters
   • Rangers must take their application documents to the recruitment centre.
5. Rangers must attend the physical recruitment event.

Point to Note: KWS recruitment is free, so beware of anyone asking for payment or promising to influence the process. Applications are judged based on qualifications and physical fitness.

All selected candidates for both cohorts must complete a mandatory 9-month paramilitary training program before being assigned to the field.

KWS Contacts

1. Mail

• • Director General
  • Kenya Wildlife Service
  • P.O. Box 40241- 00100
  • Nairobi, Kenya

2. Email: [email protected], [email protected]

3. Phone: 020 237 9407 or 0202 379 408 or 0202 379 409

Salary Range

The average salary of KWS staff varies based on position, experience, and rank. Attached here is the official salary structure for each of the KWS job grades.