President Ruto led the official opening of the 2025 migration season in Maasai Mara
President William Ruto on Thursday, July 24, 2025, presided over the grand launch of this year’s wildebeest migration season in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Narok County. The ceremony comes shortly after the breathtaking migration spectacle was honoured by the World Book of Records UK as the planet’s greatest annual land-based wildlife migration.
While addressing the public, President Ruto said the world marvels at the beauty of the Mara, and Kenya is proud to host such a natural wonder.
“The Maasai Mara remains one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on Earth,” President Ruto stated.
Each year, more than 1.5 million wildebeests, antelopes, and zebras journey across the plains from Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The movement mostly happens between July and October and remains a major draw for tourists from across the globe.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has long regarded the migration as a key pillar of the nation’s wildlife calendar. Tourists travel from all continents to witness the spectacle unfold.
The Head of State further noted that tourism in Kenya recorded a 15% boost in 2024. He credited strategic investments and improved travel experiences for the progress.
“We are confident that our tourism numbers will continue rising,” he said. “We’re investing in world-class experiences for both local and international visitors.”
Reports from the Tourism Research Institute confirm that 1.9 million tourists visited the country in 2024, with wildlife adventures, coastal trips, and cultural activities topping the list.
President Ruto encouraged ordinary Kenyans to explore domestic travel opportunities and enjoy experiences that global tourists spend huge amounts to witness.
“We ask Kenyans to visit the Mara. Travel and enjoy what the world pays to see,” he added.
The Ministry of Tourism, through Magical Kenya, is intensifying campaigns that promote local tourism all year round. The focus is to make travel more accessible for Kenyans while maintaining international appeal.
The President highlighted the government’s dedication to preserving Kenya’s wildlife through conservation programs, ranger support, and anti-poaching efforts.
Revenue-sharing models between local communities and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve ensure that conservation also supports livelihoods.
This approach, he said, is not just about tourism but about creating long-term harmony between people and nature. With international recognition, growing tourist numbers, and strong conservation models, Kenya is reinforcing its global image as a top destination for wildlife and eco-tourism. The launch of the migration season is more than symbolic—it shows Kenya’s ambition to lead in sustainable tourism across Africa
