KWS introduces new conservation fees for parks effective October
By Faith Lagat, September 29, 2025The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced a major update to conservation fees for entry into national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries, set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
The move comes under the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access, Entry and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations 2025 (Legal Notice No. 160 of 2025), officially approved by Parliament on September 25, 2025.
KWS had earlier opened a public participation exercise on the new park entry fees.
“The Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access, Entry and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations 2025 (Legal Notice No. 160 of 2025), governing entry and access to Kenya’s National Parks, Reserves, and Sanctuaries, will officially come into effect on Wednesday, 1st October 2025. The Regulations were approved and acceded by Parliament on Thursday, 25th September 2025,” part of the KWS notice read.
In the notice via KWS X dated September 29, 2025, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to a smooth transition, assuring the public that the implementation will be seamless.
KWS Director General Erustus Kanga addressed concerns over pre-booked trips, stating, “KWS will honor all eCitizen payments made before this announcement and the revised fees will therefore apply only to new bookings made for 1st October onwards.”
This measure ensures that visitors who had booked and paid for trips before the announcement are not affected by the new fee structure.
Consultative process
The revised fees are the outcome of a year-long consultative process involving stakeholders from conservation, tourism, and the general public.
The last comprehensive review of conservation fees was conducted 17 years ago, despite a substantial rise in the cost of managing parks and reserves and the expansion of Kenya’s tourism and wildlife sectors.
“The last comprehensive review of conservation fees was carried out 17 years ago, despite a significant increase in the cost of parks and reserves management, and the expansion of Kenya’s tourism and wildlife conservation.”
According to KWS, the updated regulations aim to strengthen the financial sustainability of wildlife conservation, enhance visitor experiences, and maintain the global competitiveness of Kenya’s parks while safeguarding the nation’s unique wildlife heritage.
“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. “
Free entry on world tourism day
In a related initiative, KWS announced free entry for all Kenyans to managed national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries on September 27, 2025, in celebration of World Tourism Day.
The Service encouraged visitors to observe park rules, including staying within designated areas, avoiding littering, and driving safely. “By following park rules, you not only ensure your safety but also help conserve our natural spaces for generations to come,” KWS said.
World Tourism Day, celebrated globally to promote sustainable development, cultural exchange, and economic growth, will focus in Kenya on the theme “Tunza Mali Yako,” which emphasises the preservation of the nation’s heritage.