State renews plan to raise wildlife park fees after four failed attempts

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and tourism stakeholders are once again planning to review the national park entry fees for the 2025-2026 financial year.

This is the fifth time the attempt has been made following public criticism and legal challenges.

On Monday, officials from KWS, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the private sector met to renew their efforts to push forward plans to increase the fees.

“The forum also served as an announcement of the KWS intent to revise conservation fees, marking the fifth attempt to implement such changes,” KWS said in a statement. 

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“Past proposals faced legal challenges, but this time, stakeholders showed optimism, recognising the urgency for sustainable conservation funding and community benefit-sharing.” 

In 2023, KWS proposed a significant hike in the park entry fees, which were expected to take effect in the last financial year.

KWS had noted that the rise in fees would address the rising operational costs, including upgrading infrastructure within the parks and enhancing visitor services as well as wildlife conservation efforts.

But the rates were not effected after a High Court quashed the move.

According to the proposal, adult East African citizens visiting the Nairobi National Park were to pay Sh2,000, up from Sh430.

local tourists’ entry fee for the Lake Nakuru National and Amboseli National parks was rise to Sh1,000 from Sh860.

KWS Director General Erustus Kanga has singled financial constraints, habitat degradation, human-wildlife conflict and climate change as the most serious threats to Kenya’s ecosystems. 

“To address these challenges, we must embrace innovative solutions, including eco-tourism and public-private partnerships, alongside reviewing our conservation fee structures to secure sustainable funding,” he noted.

“Conservation fees are not merely costs but strategic investments in the preservation of Kenya’s unparalleled wildlife heritage.”  

The agency expressed optimism in the fresh efforts, noting that the current strategic plan targets rebranding of national parks, improving visitor amenities and rolling out a digital payment system for enhanced efficiency.

“Today’s discussions provide a platform for crafting a fair and inclusive fee structure that addresses the needs of all stakeholders while ensuring thriving ecosystems, vibrant tourism, and empowered communities,” Prof Kanga said.

This financial year, Masai Mara National ReserveThe reserve, which is ran by the Narok County government, increased its entry fees to $200 (Sh25,900), up from $100 (Sh12,925) per day for non-resident adults.

Kenyans pay varying rates depending on seasons. From January 1 to June 30, local tourists will be charged Sh1,500 whereas from July 1 to Dec 31, charges will be Sh2,000 for adults. Children between three and 17 years pay 600 during the off-peak season and Sh800 in the peak season.