The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has been confirmed as the official conservation partner for the Global Conservation Tech & Drone Forum (GCTDF 2026), a major international event scheduled to take place from 2 to 6 March 2026 in Nairobi and Konza Technopolis.
The partnership places Kenya at the forefront of global efforts to integrate advanced technology into conservation practice, as governments, technologists, conservationists, and development partners increasingly turn to data-driven tools to address biodiversity loss, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict.
GCTDF 2026, themed “Technology in Service of Nature: Protecting Wildlife, Supporting People, Restoring Ecosystems,” is expected to bring together rangers, community leaders, researchers, policymakers, youth innovators, and technology firms from across Africa and the rest of the world. The forum will focus on the practical application of drones, satellite sensors, artificial intelligence, geographic information systems (GIS), and data analytics in conservation and ecosystem management.
KWS said the partnership aligns with its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, which places strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, community engagement, and science-led wildlife management. The Service views technology as a critical enabler in addressing emerging conservation challenges while improving efficiency, transparency, and outcomes across protected and community-managed landscapes.
Under the partnership, KWS will play a central role in shaping the forum’s conservation agenda by providing expert insight into Kenya’s ecosystems, wildlife challenges, and priority conservation areas. The agency will also participate in live drone and conservation-technology demonstrations showcasing how emerging tools are already being deployed to enhance wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching surveillance, and habitat protection.
These demonstrations are expected to highlight practical use cases such as aerial surveillance of protected areas, real-time tracking of wildlife movements, early detection of illegal activities, and data-driven ecosystem assessments. Organisers say the focus will be on scalable, ethical, and community-centred applications of technology rather than purely experimental innovation.
KWS will also use the platform to engage directly with global conservation technologists, policymakers, development partners, and youth innovators, with the aim of advancing collaboration on solutions that can be adapted across different ecological and socio-economic contexts. The Service said the forum presents an opportunity to strengthen partnerships that support Kenya’s long-term conservation and sustainable development goals.
In addition, KWS plans to showcase Kenya’s conservation record and its evolving approach to wildlife management, which increasingly integrates science, technology, and community participation. Kenya is widely recognised as a global leader in wildlife conservation and nature-based tourism, sectors that contribute significantly to national income, employment, and foreign exchange earnings.
The decision to host the forum in Nairobi and Konza Technopolis further underscores Kenya’s growing role as a regional hub for innovation, sustainability, and technology-enabled development. Konza, which is being developed as a smart city and technology hub, is expected to provide a fitting backdrop for discussions on the future of conservation technology and digital solutions.
According to KWS, the partnership reflects a broader shift in conservation practice away from traditional, enforcement-only approaches toward integrated models that combine ranger expertise, community involvement, policy support, and advanced technology. The Service noted that while rangers and protected areas remain central to conservation success, modern challenges require tools that enhance situational awareness, decision-making, and rapid response.
“Modern conservation success depends not only on boots on the ground, but also on embracing technology, data, and collaboration at local, national, and global levels,” KWS said in a statement confirming the partnership.
The Global Conservation Tech & Drone Forum is organised as a non-profit, Africa-anchored initiative designed to bridge the gap between conservation needs and technological innovation. The 2026 edition will feature expo booths, poster sessions, technical workshops, policy dialogues, and live demonstrations of drones and sensor technologies in real-world conservation settings.
Sessions will explore themes such as biodiversity protection, ecosystem resilience, climate adaptation, inclusive conservation innovation, and the role of technology in delivering tangible benefits to communities living alongside wildlife. Organisers say a key objective of the forum is to ensure that technological solutions support livelihoods, reduce conflict, and strengthen local ownership of conservation outcomes.
Kenya Wildlife Service, established under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013, is mandated to conserve and manage wildlife resources in the country. Its responsibilities include managing national parks and reserves, enforcing wildlife laws, conducting research, advising government on wildlife policy, and working with communities and landowners to promote coexistence between people and wildlife.
The agency has increasingly adopted technology in its operations, including aerial surveillance, digital reporting systems, and data analytics to improve wildlife protection and operational efficiency. Participation in GCTDF 2026 is expected to further accelerate knowledge exchange and adoption of best practices.
As biodiversity loss and environmental degradation continue to pose economic and social risks globally, Kenya’s role in hosting and shaping the forum is seen as strategically important. The event is expected to reinforce the country’s profile as a leader in conservation, sustainability, and innovation while attracting global attention, expertise, and investment into the sector.
With preparations underway, GCTDF 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most significant conservation and technology gatherings to be hosted in Kenya, bringing together global stakeholders to explore how innovation can safeguard nature while supporting people and sustainable development.
