NAIROBI, Kenya– The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has unveiled the second draft of its Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, targeting a Sh12 billion funding shortfall that has constr ained park operations and wildlife conservation efforts.
The revised draft, shared with tourism sector stakeholders during a validation forum on Friday, incorporates input collected from public participation sessions held across 20 counties between July 29 and August 8.
KWS Director General, Erustus Kanga, stressed that the process was designed to be consultative.
“We are determined to ensure that these regulations are developed, adopted, and implemented through an inclusive process. During the public participation forums, we carefully considered the key issues raised by stakeholders,” he said.
The draft proposes substantial changes to entry fees, exemptions, and bundled offerings, balancing revenue generation with community and tourism incentives.
Safari operators, including licensed tour guides, community guides, boat crews, and porters, will be exempt from park entry fees.
Children under five, senior citizens aged 70 and above, and persons with disabilities will also enjoy free access.
Local fees at Nairobi National Park are set to rise from Sh430 to Sh1,000, while foreign visitors would pay $80 (approximately Sh10,360), up from $43 (Sh5,570).
Premium destinations like Amboseli and Lake Nakuru would charge Sh1,500 for locals and Sh11,660 for international tourists.
Mid-tier parks, including Meru and Aberdare, would see local rates of Sh800 and $70 (Sh9,070) for foreigners, with smaller parks such as Hell’s Gate setting local entry at Sh500.
The regulations also introduce bundled packages for circuits such as Tsavo West, Tsavo East, and Amboseli, as well as Nairobi-based experiences covering Nairobi National Park, Safari Walk, and the Animal Orphanage.
Conference and event groups will benefit from a 30% discount, while a new regional category targets tourists from across Africa.
Kanga said the fee adjustments are aimed at enhancing wildlife experiences and supporting conservation:
“The revenue generated from these regulations will be directly reinvested to enhance visitor experience in our parks and reserves. The regulations are not about a change in price; they are about the value of conservation in our national development.”
This review, the first in 18 years, seeks to address a persistent Sh12 billion annual shortfall that has hindered KWS’s capacity to safeguard wildlife, restore degraded habitats, and respond to emerging conservation challenges.
The second draft will now be submitted to the Parliamentary Committee on Delegated Legislation for final consideration and approval.
