The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has proposed offering free entry to national parks and reserves to senior citizens aged 70 and above, children under the age of five, and persons with disabilities.
Additionally, tour service providers, including guides, porters, boat crews, and tour leaders, will also benefit from free access.
According to a statement by KWS, these proposals are outlined in the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, which were presented during a stakeholder validation forum in Nairobi.
"Kenya Wildlife Service today presented the second draft of the Wildlife Conservation & Management (Access & Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, at a stakeholder validation forum in Nairobi. This revised draft builds on feedback collected from 20 counties during recent public participation forums," the statement reads.
This feedback is being collected through written submissions and online channels before the regulations are finalised and tabled in Parliament.
Other recommendations include a uniform marine park fee of Ksh 3,220 (approximately USD 25) for non-residents and the introduction of community-driven bicycle rental schemes.
The draft also proposes discounted travel packages for Tsavo–Amboseli and Nairobi, as well as new incentives for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
KWS further plans to expand tourist experiences by introducing night drives, walking safaris, and balloon safaris.
According to KWS, the revenue collected from these initiatives will be reinvested to improve visitor experiences, support community projects, and strengthen wildlife conservation efforts.
The service noted that this is the first review of conservation fees in 18 years and is expected to help bridge a Ksh 12 billion annual funding gap while safeguarding Kenya’s wildlife heritage.
KWS noted that the draft regulations would see park entry fees increased by roughly 30 to 70 per cent, depending on the park category and visitor type, to balance financial sustainability with affordability.
It added that the 2025 draft framework will aim at bridging this gap while strengthening financial sustainability and conservation outcomes.
If the regulations pass, the new fee regime would take effect in early 2026 to secure Kenya’s wildlife heritage and enhance the safari experience for all visitors.
