Days after announcing free entry to all national parks across the country on Saturday, September 27, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has made a U-turn, prohibiting free entry into Lake Nakuru National Park.
A statement released on Friday, September 26, confirmed the new development, with KWS not explaining why it had made the decision.
“Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) wishes to provide an update on the free entry to National Parks, Reserves, and Sanctuaries earlier communicated through the Public Notice dated 23rd September 2025,” KWS noted.
“The public is hereby notified that there shall be no free entry to Lake Nakuru National Park Saturday, September 27, 2025,” it added.
Further, KWS disclosed that the Lake Nakuru Main Gate and Lanet Gate would be closed and inaccessible to the public.
However, those with prepaid eCitizen tickets were advised to access the park through Nderit Gate from 6am to 6pm.
Typically, entry fees for the park are Ksh860 and Ksh215 for Kenyan adults and children, respectively. For residents, the fee is the same. However, non-residents pay $60 for adults, while children pay $35.
The impromptu move to prohibit free entry caused intrigue, particularly with the case of fisherman Brian Odhiambo, who was last seen at Lake Nakuru National Park.
Odhiambo went missing in January 2025, with allegations that he was taken by KWS rangers. However, KWS has denied any wrongdoing, despite admitting that Odhiambo had been in their custody.
On Tuesday, September 23, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano announced that Kenyans would access national parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries for free on Saturday, as part of celebrations to mark World Tourism Day.
She added that the move also aligned with this year's theme of 'Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,' which highlights the power of tourism to drive positive change for societies and the economy.
After Miano’s announcement, Odhiambo’s family had vowed to use the free entry to search for their loved one, but are now set to be dealt a huge blow in their efforts.
