NAIROBI, Kenya – Visitors to Kenya’s game parks can now enjoy faster and easier entry thanks to a new digital payment platform launched by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The system, dubbed KWSPay, is designed to simplify ticketing and revenue collection by reducing entry wait times and offering a more user-friendly experience for both local and international tourists.
Unlike previous systems that relied heavily on the government’s eCitizen portal, KWSPay operates as a standalone platform tailored to KWS services.
“You don’t need to log in to eCitizen anymore. With KWSPay, the login and payment time has been cut from 10–12 minutes to just 2–3 minutes. You can even pay from the comfort of your home,” said KWS Director General Erastus Kanga.
Faster, Smarter Access to Parks
The new system supports mobile payments, simplified logins, and even works for non-smartphone users, enabling broader accessibility.
KWSPay also allows for group transactions, making it easier for tour operators to plan visits across multiple parks in a single payment.
“As a tour operator, you can pay for a whole group visiting Nairobi, Amboseli, and Tsavo national parks at once, and get individual tickets for each location,” Kanga explained.
Boosting Revenue, Enhancing Transparency
KWS has already seen major financial gains since embracing digital platforms.
Integration with eCitizen previously helped raise revenue from KSh3.4 billion to KSh5.6 billion, and in the last financial year, collections surged further to KSh7.6 billion.
Kanga said the improved efficiency and transparency are encouraging more people to visit parks, while also helping the government track and audit revenue more effectively.
Beyond Payments: Upgrading Park Infrastructure
In addition to rolling out KWSPay, KWS is also undertaking infrastructure improvements in key national parks, including Nairobi National Park, to repair and upgrade internal road networks — a move aimed at improving the overall tourist experience.
The launch of KWSPay follows recent public criticism over long queues and chaotic entry at popular parks, particularly Nairobi National Park.
The agency has since introduced express lanes for prepaid ticket holders to ease congestion and improve service delivery.
How to Access KWSPay
The KWSPay system can be accessed directly via a dedicated web portal and will soon be integrated into the KWS mobile app.
Visitors are encouraged to book tickets in advance to avoid delays at the gate.
With tourism being a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, the digitization of park access is part of broader efforts by the government to modernize the sector and enhance conservation funding.
