The government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, has invited Kenyans to provide comments on a proposal that might increase park entry fees.
Through a newspaper notice on Tuesday, July 15, the ministry invited tourism and wildlife industry stakeholders, members of the public, and all interested parties to submit their comments, views, and input on the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations, 2025.
The new proposal provides for fees payable for access and conservation of national parks, national reserves, national marine parks, national marine reserves, and national sanctuaries.
Kenyans were thereby invited to give feedback on the Regulatory Impact Statement, that contained detailed information on the anticipated impact of the proposed regulations.
As per the ministry, the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations, 2025 and the Regulatory Impact Statement can be accessed in the ministry website as well as the Kenya Wildlife Service website.
“Physical copies of the documents can be accessed free of charge at all the offices of Kenya Wildlife Service-managed national parks, reserves, stations, and sanctuaries countrywide,” the ministry noted.
Further, the ministry announced it would hold public forums in 18 areas across the country, including Nairobi. Public participation will also be held in Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Homa Bay and Kitale.
The proposed changes, informed by elasticity modelling and marginal revenue analysis, are expected to impact not only Kenyans but also international visitors.
For non-residents, who exhibit low sensitivity to price changes, KWS is recommending a 50–60 per cent increase in park fees.
Currently, entry to premium parks like Amboseli and Lake Nakuru costs Ksh7,770($60) and this will increase to approximately Ksh12,423 for non-residents.
Wilderness parks such as Tsavo East and West, currently priced at Ksh6,700 ($52), would rise to approximately Ksh10,748 if the proposed 60 per cent increase is implemented.
For citizens who are more price-sensitive, a cap of a 50 per cent increase has been advised. Entry to Nairobi National Park, currently Ksh430, would rise to Ksh645, while Amboseli and Lake Nakuru would increase from Ksh860 to Ksh1,290.
KWS currently generates Ksh7.41 billion from park fees, but projections show this could rise to Ksh16.58 billion by 2028 under the new pricing model.
If approved, this will be the first comprehensive review of conservation fees in 18 years.
