KWS LEA previously known as Kenya Wildlife Service Field Training School (KWS FTS) was initially an Anti-poaching camp prior to the formation of Kenya Wildlife Service in 1990. The anti-poaching unit was disbanded and a new outfit called the special operation base (SOB) was formed, composed of young energetic rangers. Officers earlier deployed in the anti-poaching unit were re-deployed to parks, reserves and Problem Animal Control Units. The anti-poaching camp had been developed with financing from the World Bank in the 1970s and upon conversion into a field training school in 1990, was enhanced by Kenya Wildlife Service to accommodate and cater for the training needs. However, in 2011 the KWS FTS changed the scope of its focus to accommodate training that suits our wide array of clientele needs which initiated the change of name to the current Kenya Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Academy (KWS LEA).
Earlier, Kenya Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Officers were trained from other government security training institutions like the Armed Forces Training college (currently, referred to as the Kenya Military Academy (KMA), the administration police Training College (APTC) and the General Service Unit Training College; with the last two currently known as National Police Service College Campuses A and B respectively.
The Academy has training programmes tailored for internal (KWS uniformed workforce) and external partners – for those in related fields like the private community ranches, wildlife conservancies, government institutions with security related aspects like the Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Airports Authority, Kenyatta National Hospital, The county Governments among many others.
The school has relevant training and associated facilities including the barracks, classrooms, drill square, range ground , health centre, staff houses, computer lab, sporting grounds/courts, catering facilities and staff messes(junior and senior). Electricity and water supply from Mzima water pipeline is adequate for smooth running of the institution.
Training programmes offered at KWS LEA
The Academy has been involved in training for both internal, external and international cadre of officers in wildlife and other security related aspects.
Key highlights on Courses Offered at KWS Law Enforcement Academy (LEA)
- Professional Wildlife Ranger Training
Comprehensive basic and advanced training programmes designed to build highly skilled, disciplined, and mission-ready wildlife rangers. The rangers are our frontline officers who are the first contact between the Service and the community. Our rangers endure long periods of field patrols while offering round the clock security to wildlife, people and assets. ( Attach photo of rangers while on training in 2024 and the monumental passing out parade)
- Community and Conservancy Scouts Training
Tailor-made training for community and conservancy scouts serving local, national, regional, and international clients, with a focus on frontline conservation, community engagement, and co-existence. The training is aimed at providing requisite skills in wildlife conservation in the conservancies and reserves. (Attach photo of community scouts while in training and passing out)
- Human–Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation and Disaster Management
Specialized training in snake handling, HWC prevention and response, and disaster preparedness to enhance safety for both communities and wildlife. (Attach photo of trainees undertaking HWC Course including snake handling expert in the field and at KWS LEA)
- Wildlife Law Enforcement Training
Specialized courses in wildlife crime prevention, investigation, and prosecution, delivered in collaboration with relevant institutions, including KWS LEA staff and partners in the National Security Framework. ( Attach Photo of Investigation officers undertaking scene of crime course)
- Combat and Leadership Training
Advanced combat, tactical, and leadership training programmes aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, command skills, and decision-making in high-risk environments are offered at the Academy to support the service in enforcing ant-poaching operations. (Attach photos of cadets 2025 training at Mt. Kenya and FTX and passing out) WPD Rangers at work
The Academy has training programmes tailored for internal (KWS uniformed workforce) and external partners – for those in related fields like the private community ranches, wildlife conservancies, government institutions with security related aspects like the Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Airports Authority, Kenyatta National Hospital, The county Governments among many others.
The school has relevant training and associated facilities including the barracks, classrooms, drill square, range ground , health centre, staff houses, computer lab, sporting grounds/courts, catering facilities and staff messes(junior and senior). Electricity and water supply from Mzima water pipeline is adequate for smooth running of the institution.