NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is inviting public opinion on a proposed hike in park entry fees, a move aimed at addressing a persistent Sh12 billion shortfall in conservation funding.
The proposed increases would mark the first major revision in nearly 20 years.
“Public invited to a stakeholder forum on the draft Wildlife Conservation & Management (Access & Conservation) (Fees) Regulations, 2025 at KICC, Sept 11, 9 a.m.”
The draft regulations, prepared by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife under Section 116 (1) and (2)(b) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, Cap. 376, along with the Statutory Instruments Act, Cap. 2A, will be presented for scrutiny during a validation forum at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on September 11.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Section 116 (1) and (2)(b) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, Cap. 376 and the Statutory Instruments Act, Cap. 2A the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife prepared the proposed Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations, 2025.”
Under the proposed fee schedule, local visitors to Nairobi National Park would see rates jump from Sh430 to Sh1,000, while international tourists would pay $80 (about Sh10,360), up from $43 (Sh5,570).
High-profile parks such as Amboseli and Lake Nakuru would charge Kenyans Sh1,500 and foreign visitors Sh11,660.
Mid-tier destinations, including Meru and Aberdare, would see local fees of Sh800 and $70 (Sh9,070) for overseas visitors, while scenic parks like Hell’s Gate would impose a Sh500 local rate.
KWS has cited rising operational costs as the driving force behind the revisions.
During the 2024/25 fiscal year, the agency collected Sh7.92 billion against a projected requirement of Sh19.79 billion, leaving a substantial financing gap that limited anti-poaching operations, infrastructure development, and habitat restoration efforts.
The updated tariff structure is projected to boost revenue to Sh16.58 billion by 2028, in line with the agency’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan focused on financial sustainability and reduced dependency on government allocations.
The consultation follows a legal setback in December 2023 when the High Court in Malindi halted a previous fee increase, citing inadequate public participation.
To avoid similar challenges, the ministry has rolled out a comprehensive engagement strategy, including gazette notices, media bulletins, and nationwide radio announcements.
Tourism operators have expressed concern that steep fee hikes could impact visitor numbers and weaken Kenya’s competitive edge relative to regional destinations such as Tanzania and South Africa.
Stakeholders have until September 11 to submit feedback either at the KICC forum or through written submissions to KWS headquarters. Once finalized and gazetted, the new fees will take effect in the next financial year.
