The new fees will require Kenyans to pay between KSh200 and KSh3, 000 to access various tourism sites managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), depending on the category. They are set out in the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access, Entry and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations, 2025 (Legal Notice No. 160 of 2025)
By TWV Team
KWS says trips booked and paid through the eCitizen before the new fees apply will not be affected. New entry charges for the country’s national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries will come into force on Wednesday, 1 October, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The new fees, which will see Kenyans pay between Ksh 200 and Ksh 3,000 to visit various tourism sites managed by KWS, depending on category, are contained in the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access, Entry and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations 2025 (Legal Notice No. 160 of 2025).
The regulations were approved and acceded to by Parliament on 25 September. Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and seamless implementation of the newly approved conservation fees.
KWS Director General Professor Erustus Kanga confirmed that measures have been put in place to facilitate visitors who had already booked and paid for their trips through the eCitizen prior to this pronouncement.
Kanga stated, “KWS will honour all eCitizen payments made before this announcement. The revised fees will therefore apply only to new bookings made from 1 October onwards.”
KWS says the new regulations are the outcome of a year-long open, consultative, and participatory process involving stakeholders from the conservation sector, the tourism industry, and the general public.
According to KWS, “The last comprehensive review of conservation fees was carried out 18 years ago, despite a significant increase in the cost of managing parks and reserves, and the expansion of Kenya tourism and wildlife conservation.”
KWS added that the reviewed regulations are intended to strengthen the financial sustainability of wildlife conservation, enhance visitor experiences, and ensure that Kenya’s parks and reserves remain globally competitive while safeguarding the country’s unique wildlife heritage.
