NAIROBI, Kenya – The introduction of new entry fees at Kenya’s national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries has hit a legal roadblock after the High Court temporarily halted the hike.
The move follows a petition by the Kenya Tourist Federation (KTF), which argued that the Kenya Wildlife Service’s (KWS) decision to implement the revised rates with just a 48-hour notice would disrupt bookings and expose tourism operators to cancellations, disputes, and reputational damage.
While KTF supports the revised fees, which were discussed during public consultations alongside the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) and the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, the federation’s concern lies with the abrupt implementation timeline.
In a letter to KWS Director-General Erastus Kanga, KTF Chairman Fred Odek noted that the fees, originally set to take effect on October 1, were announced only two days prior, on September 29.
“This sudden implementation comes despite industry requests during public consultations for a start date of January 1, 2026,” Odek said. “The recent announcement gives just two days’ notice, creating untold problems for tour and other operators.”
KTF highlighted that tourism operations follow long-term planning cycles, with many members already having confirmed bookings up to December 2025 based on the existing conservation fees.
Immediate implementation, the federation argues, would force operators to either absorb the extra costs or risk losing clients.
“The timelines leave no room to adjust packages, renegotiate pricing, or communicate effectively with clients,” Odek said. “This will lead to cancellations, disputes, and reputational damage.”
The federation further warned that European Union consumer laws prohibit price changes after a holiday package has been confirmed and paid for, potentially exposing Kenyan operators to litigation or financial losses.
KTF is urging KWS to postpone the fee hike until January 1, 2026, giving stakeholders sufficient time to adjust and communicate changes.
In a ruling, Milimani High Court Justice John Chigiti granted KTF’s application, putting the new rates on hold pending a full hearing.
Both parties have seven days to file submissions, with the case set for mention on November 11.
The revised fee schedule differentiates charges based on visitor categories, including East African citizens, Kenyan residents, non-residents, and African citizens from other countries. For instance:
- Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Parks: Sh1,500 (East Africans), Sh2,025 (residents), $90 (non-residents), $50 (other African citizens)
- Nairobi National Park: Sh1,000 (East Africans), Sh1,350 (residents), $80 (non-residents), $40 (other African citizens)
- Tsavo East and West: Sh3,000 (East Africans), Sh4,000 (residents), $215 (non-residents), $115 (other African citizens)
All parks, including marine and heritage sites, have had their charges revised.
Industry players have welcomed the rationale behind the fee adjustments, aimed at supporting conservation and KWS operations, but warn that Kenya risks losing competitiveness in the regional tourism market.
By comparison, non-resident daily fees in 2024 were $200 for Maasai Mara (July–December) and $100 (January–June), $80 for Amboseli and Lake Nakuru, and $100 for Nairobi National Park.
Regional competitors charge significantly less: Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro $70–$80, South Africa’s Kruger $25–$30, Botswana’s Chobe $20–$25, and Namibia’s Etosha $10–$15.
The High Court’s temporary injunction offers a window for the tourism sector to adjust, while highlighting the tension between urgent conservation funding needs and the operational realities of Kenya’s tourism industry.
