The Kenya Wildlife Services(KWS) has reduced park entry fee by 50% for locals and foreigners to rescue the tourism sector.
KWS is a state corporation that was established to conserve and manage wildlife in Kenya. It manages 22 National Parks, 28 National Reserves and 5 National Sanctuaries.
At present, KWS charges KSh 860 per adult citizen on its premium parks at Amboseli and KSh 515 for the wilderness parks in Tsavo East and Tsavo West. It also charges KSh 300 for entry into Meru, Kora, Aberdare and Mt Kenya Wilderness parks and KSh 430 for Nairobi urban safari. Local tourists pay KSh 215 for a visit to Nairobi animal orphanage, Kisumu Impala, and Nairobi Safari Walk.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has also disclosed that charges for film makers has also been cut by half.
A move by the Tourism CS to slash park entry fees comes following bitter protests over his earlier move to hike park fees by 300%.
“This is to inform the public that KWS in consultation with Ministry of Tourism has suspended the implementation of the new rates until further notice due to the prevailing circumstances occasioned by the coronavirus,” said KWS in an earlier statement.
The Peak season is between July and March and low season between April and June.
At present, foreigners pay US$ 40 for entry into Nairobi National Park. KWS also charges foreign visitors into Amboseli and Lake Nakuru park entry fees of US$80.
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