Tourism & Environment

Parks, wildlife, conservation, the coast.

Warming Indian Ocean threatens livelihoods along Kenya's coast

The News

The Indian Ocean, which feeds and employs thousands of coast residents, is losing its strength due to climate change that makes it warmer, more acidic, and leaves more carbon dioxide in the air, according to the UN's 2026 Climate Technology Progress Report. Rising temperatures, acidification, deoxygenation, pollution, and ecosystem degradation are disrupting ocean processes that regulate the climate.

30 October 2026 · The Standard →

Yesterday

Warming Indian Ocean threatens livelihoods along Kenya's coast
The Indian Ocean, which feeds and employs thousands of coast residents, is losing its strength due to climate change that makes it warmer, more acidic, and leaves more carbon dioxide in the air, according to the UN's 2026 Climate Technology Progress Report. Rising temperatures, acidification, deoxygenation, pollution, and ecosystem degradation are disrupting ocean processes that regulate the climate.
30 October 2026 · The Standard →
Kisumu transforms from gateway port to events destination
Kisumu is undergoing a rebirth, shifting its identity from a lakeside gateway to becoming a hub for events and activities.
30 October 2026 · The Standard →
Africa's biodiversity targets hampered by gaps in data, funding, capacity
African countries risk failing to meet global biodiversity targets without stronger data systems, technical expertise, and sustainable financing, according to discussions at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP17). Regional institutions called for increased investment to translate conservation commitments into implementation at scale.
30 October 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 29 October

Africa's biodiversity goals face data, funding, capacity gaps
African countries lack adequate biodiversity data systems, technical expertise, and sustainable financing to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework, regional institutions warned at COP17. Regional centres and global partners are working to strengthen the technical systems and institutions needed for countries to implement and report on their biodiversity commitments at scale.
29 October 2026 · Capital News →
Court halts Nairobi National Park construction, orders status quo
The Environment and Land Court has barred the government from constructing a car park at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and undertaking activities that could damage Nairobi National Park, following a petition by 4,642 Kenyans. Justice Grace Kemei issued conservatory orders on October 27, 2026, prohibiting vegetation clearance, tree felling, excavation and construction within the disputed area for four months pending case determination.
29 October 2026 · The Standard →
EAC countries deepen Lake Victoria management cooperation
East African Community partner states met during the 24th Ordinary Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers on the Lake Victoria Basin to review management programmes and discuss strategies for improving the shared water resource, with maritime safety, environmental protection and sustainable economic development identified as key priorities.
29 October 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 28 October

Planning December travel? Seven pre-booking steps for Kenyans
The Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts above-average rainfall over roughly 80% of the country in October–December 2026 due to a strengthening El Niño. The article advises Kenyans planning December trips to the coast, the Mara, upcountry, or international destinations to plan carefully, especially for routes involving rough roads or river crossings.
28 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Court halts Nairobi National Park commercial project for four months
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has welcomed a court decision halting a commercial project at Nairobi National Park for four months, accusing the government of undermining environmental protection obligations. Maraga credited Friends of Nairobi National Park, Just Act Kenya, the Green Belt Movement and 4,642 environmental campaigners with challenging the proposed development through legal action and public mobilisation.
28 October 2026 · Capital News →
Kenya, Uganda sign four cross-border tourism agreements
Kenya and Uganda have signed four cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening cross-border tourism, trade and investment to ease travel barriers and expand business opportunities across the East African region. The agreements were signed during the fifth Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism and Innovation Summit in Mombasa on October 26–27.
28 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Serena's Jahazi Grill wins TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award
Serena Beach Resort & Spa's Jahazi Grill Restaurant has received the 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award, recognising the beachfront seafood and grill restaurant's culinary excellence and guest service.
28 October 2026 · The Standard →
World's most travelled man by air praises Kenya's diversity and people
Fred Finn, the record holder for most travelled man by air, describes Kenya as having "everything" — from Mount Kenya's snow-capped peaks and Lake Nakuru's flamingos to the Maasai Mara and Diani coast — and highlights the warmth of Kenyan people as what interests him most.
28 October 2026 · The Standard →
Endangered trees facing extinction in Taita Taveta forests
Environmentalists and farmers in Taita Taveta County have raised concerns over large-scale destruction of government forests, with endangered indigenous species like Mndomoko and Ndashi facing extinction due to illegal cutting by forest poachers, charcoal burning, and other human pressures including encroachment and overgrazing.
28 October 2026 · The Standard →
Northern Kenya communities develop cultural tourism initiative
Northern Kenya is strengthening its position as a cultural and adventure tourism destination, with local communities around Lake Turkana—including the Turkana, Samburu, Rendille, El Molo and Dassanech—looking to preserve their heritage while generating income and supporting vulnerable households through initiatives like the Loiyangalani Desert Cultural Museum.
28 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 27 October

Court blocks car park construction in Nairobi National Park
The Environment and Lands Court has blocked the government from continuing construction of a car park inside Nairobi National Park. Justice Grace Kemei ruled that contractors are barred from clearing vegetation, cutting trees, excavating, grading, fencing, constructing routes, and undertaking any works at the disputed site.
27 October 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 26 October

Faith leaders convene on climate action, stewardship in Nairobi
Religious and indigenous leaders are meeting in Nairobi for a two-day interfaith dialogue jointly organised by Israel's Embassy in Kenya and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung to explore how faith-based institutions can strengthen communities against climate change through practical commitments and partnerships.
26 October 2026 · Capital News →
Kenya, Uganda use golf to attract AFCON 2027 tourists
Kenya and Uganda are using cross-border sporting events, including a golf tournament at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County, to boost tourism and prepare for hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
26 October 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 25 October

Herdsmen block Narok-Suswa highway over alleged cattle theft
Local herdsmen blocked the Narok–Suswa highway near Orekule on Sunday to protest the alleged theft of livestock, leaving dozens of tourists and travelers stranded and disrupting access to Maasai Mara National Reserve.
25 October 2026 · Capital News →
KWS shoots elephant after fatal attack in Kitui County
Kenya Wildlife Service officers shot dead an elephant that killed one person in Kamaindi area, Tharaka Ward, Kitui County, hours after the attack. The animal had been roaming the area for several weeks and will be incinerated as part of disposal.
25 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Lobby groups challenge Nairobi park land for Bomas parking
Human rights groups have expressed fears that endangered black rhinos and more than 500 birds face extinction if the government continues with its construction project, citing concerns over the allocation of 76 acres of Nairobi National Park for a parking lot for Bomas.
25 October 2026 · The Standard →
Mara wildlife: battle of wits between predators and prey
The article describes nocturnal and daytime interactions between predators and prey animals in the Mara ecosystem, depicting their strategies and movements.
25 October 2026 · The Standard →