The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is proposing the first major review of conservation and park entry fees since 2007, citing a widening KSh 12 billion funding gap and rising operational demands.
- •Gazetted under the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, the proposed changes would see fees increase between 30–70%, tiered by park classification, visitor type, and citizenship.
- •In FY 2024/25, KWS raised KSh 7.92 billion, against a need of KSh 19.79 billion.
- •With tourism accounting for 90% of internal revenue, officials hope revised pricing can push annual revenues to KSh 16.58 billion by 2028, financing anti-poaching, habitat restoration, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation efforts.
“This review is not just about revenue it is about the survival of our wildlife and the resilience of our conservation systems,” KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga said during a recent public participation forum.
He added that the agency’s five-year strategic plan aims at reducing reliance on exchequer funding, scaling conservation education, and modernizing infrastructure.
What’s Changing:
- •In premium parks like Amboseli and Lake Nakuru: Entry fees may rise to KSh 1,500 for locals, US $90 for African citizens, and US$90 (KSh 11,660) for international visitors.
- •Nairobi National Park: Local fees could double to KSh 1,000, with foreign rates at KSh 10,360.
- •Children and students: New pricing bracket proposed for ages 5–17, with fee increases across all parks.
- •New exemptions: Free entry for seniors aged 70+ and persons with disabilities.
- •Annual passes to promote affordability and loyalty. An annual pass for an adult would cost KSh 45, 000 under the new regulations, and KSh 10, 400 for a child. A tour driver’s annualised pass would be the cheapest under the regulations at KSh 6, 000, while a family annual pass for two adults and upto five children would cost Ksh 130, 000.
- •Discounted conference rates: Proposed for professional and educational groups.
- •The draft also includes new charges for water sports activities. Other changes include increases in daily charges for motor vehicles, motor cycles, aircraft, helicopters, boats, and drones in public parks.
The proposed framework is currently open for public comment and stakeholder consultations, following its gazettement on July 9, 2025.