Activist Boniface Mwangi has ignited a wave of criticism over the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) park fee hikes, detailing significant increases in an X post that has fuelled public outrage.

Mwangi, in the X post dated November 1, 2025, asserts, “Ruto raised wildlife park fees by 30% for some visitors and over 130% for others, depending on the park,” with specific examples including, “At Nairobi National Park, adult non-resident fees rose 150% from $40 to $100, while East African residents got a 300% increase from Ksh 500 to Ksh 2,000.”

Tour operators mobilise for protest

The protest, scheduled to begin at Uhuru Gardens, aims to deliver grievances directly to KWS headquarters, reflecting growing discontent within the tourism sector.

Mwangi’s post, accompanied by images highlighting the gateway fees—such as $17.17 on a $202 service and $77.44 on $911—has amplified calls for the abolition of these charges, which he labels as detrimental to Kenya’s tourism industry. Organisers have urged participants to wear earth-tone attire and maintain peace during the demonstration.

He further accuses the government of overreach, stating, “Despite a court order halting the increases, the government ignored it. An 8.5% online gateway fee is added to every payment—money that goes straight to the payment system operators. This is theft and will harm both local and international tourism.”

Mwangi’s sharp rebuke, “Increasing taxes, stealing what’s collected, and defying court orders—that’s what his government does best,” has galvanised tour operators to action, with plans for a protest announced as, “On Monday, November 3rd, tour operators will march to protest Ruto’s latest revenue grab.”

Controversy

The uproar follows KWS’s announcement of a major update to conservation fees, effective October 1, 2025, under the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access, Entry and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations 2025 (Legal Notice No. 160 of 2025), approved by Parliament on September 25, 2025.

The agency conducted a public participation exercise before implementation, marking the first comprehensive review in 17 years due to rising management costs and sector expansion.

According to a KWS notice issued on September 29, 2025, the new regulations aim “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.”

Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano emphasized a seamless transition, while KWS Director General Erustus Kanga assured that pre-booked eCitizen payments would remain honored. KWS also offered free entry for Kenyans on World Tourism Day, September 27, 2025, under the theme “Tunza Mali Yako,” promoting heritage preservation, though this has done little to ease the growing unrest among tourism stakeholders.