NAIROBI, Kenya– Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has come out in support of the proposed increase in entry fees across Kenya’s national parks and reserves, emphasizing the urgent need to close a longstanding funding shortfall in conservation efforts.
Speaking on the rationale behind the review, Miano said the adjustments reflect the rising costs of managing Kenya’s protected areas.
“I would wish to correct that the fees have been constant for a very long time. It is very expensive to manage our parks and our conservation areas and all that, and that is why there is an exercise to try to rationalize, review, and see the best value for money.”
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on September 2 released a draft proposal seeking public input on the first planned fee revision in nearly 20 years.
According to the agency, the increase is necessary to bridge a Sh12 billion funding gap that has constrained operations, leaving critical functions such as anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and infrastructure maintenance underfunded.
Under the proposed rates, Nairobi National Park would see local entry fees jump from Sh430 to Sh1,000, while international visitors would pay $80 (Sh10,360) instead of $43 (Sh5,570).
Popular destinations such as Amboseli and Lake Nakuru would charge Sh1,500 for locals and $110 (Sh11,660) for foreign tourists. Mid-tier parks, including Meru and Aberdare would set charges at Sh800 for locals and $70 (Sh9,070) for foreigners, while parks like Hell’s Gate would see local entry fees rise to Sh500.
KWS highlights that the new structure could lift revenue to Sh16.58 billion by 2028, aligning with its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan to reduce dependence on government funding and enhance financial sustainability.
In the 2024/25 fiscal year, KWS generated Sh7.92 billion against a requirement of Sh19.79 billion, underscoring the pressure on resources.
The move follows a legal challenge last December, when the High Court in Malindi halted a previous fee increase over concerns of inadequate public consultation.
This time, the ministry says it has conducted broad stakeholder engagement through gazette notices, media campaigns, and radio announcements.
Tourism operators, however, caution that steep hikes could affect visitor numbers and Kenya’s competitiveness compared with regional destinations such as Tanzania and South Africa.
Stakeholders have until September 11 to provide feedback at a validation forum at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre or via written submissions to KWS, after which the regulations will be finalized for the next fiscal year.
