Nairobi, Kenya – July 11, 2025 – The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has unveiled plans to significantly increase entry fees for its national parks and reserves, marking the first comprehensive review of conservation fees in 18 years. The proposed changes, outlined in the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, aim to address a Sh12 billion annual funding shortfall that threatens the agency’s ability to maintain Kenya’s iconic wildlife ecosystems. If approved, the new fees will take effect in January 2026, impacting popular destinations like Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Tsavo East and West.
Significant Fee Increases Across Key Parks
Under the proposed regulations, entry fees for both local and international visitors will see substantial hikes, reflecting KWS’s push to bolster conservation efforts and infrastructure maintenance. The new fee structure includes:
- Nairobi National Park: Fees for East African Community (EAC) citizens and Kenyan residents will rise from KSh 430 to KSh 1,000 for adults, a 132% increase. International visitors will face charges of $50 (KSh 7,167) during the high season (July to March) and $20 (KSh 2,867) in the low season (April to June), up from a flat rate of $43.
- Amboseli National Park: Adult fees for EAC citizens and residents will increase by 74.4%, from KSh 860 to KSh 1,500 during the high season, with low-season fees set at KSh 800. Non-resident foreigners will see fees rise from $60 to $90 in the high season and $80 in the low season.
- Lake Nakuru National Park: Mirroring Amboseli, adult fees for locals will jump from KSh 860 to KSh 1,500 in the high season and KSh 800 in the low season, while foreign visitors will pay $90 (high season) and $80 (low season), up from $60.
- Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks: Entry fees for EAC citizens and residents will nearly double, from KSh 515 to KSh 1,000 for adults in both parks, with no seasonal variation specified. Foreign visitor fees will align with Amboseli and Lake Nakuru at $90 (high season) and $80 (low season).
Children and students from EAC countries will also face increased fees, with charges rising from KSh 215 to KSh 500 in premium parks like Amboseli and Lake Nakuru during the high season, and from KSh 125 to KSh 250 in the low season. For Nairobi National Park, children’s fees will increase to KSh 500 year-round.
Addressing a Critical Funding Shortfall
KWS Director-General Erustus Kanga emphasized that the fee hikes are essential to close a Sh12 billion budget gap, which has strained the agency’s ability to combat poaching, maintain park infrastructure, and support community conservation initiatives. In 2024, KWS’s expenses reached KSh 4.6 billion, driven by rising salaries and maintenance costs, while park fees accounted for 96.4% of its Sh2.8 billion revenue. The shortfall was partially offset by government funding (KSh 860 million) and donor contributions, but KWS aims to reduce reliance on external support through increased visitor revenue.
The proposed fees follow a failed attempt in 2023 to triple entry charges, which met resistance from tourism stakeholders who argued that steep hikes could deter visitors and harm Kenya’s tourism sector, a key economic driver contributing Sh146 billion in 2024. After consultations, KWS moderated some increases, notably reducing Nairobi National Park’s proposed fee from KSh 2,000 to KSh 1,000, though the new rates remain significantly higher than current charges.
Balancing Conservation and Tourism
Kenya’s national parks, managed by KWS, are world-renowned for their biodiversity. Amboseli is celebrated for its elephant herds and Mount Kilimanjaro views, Lake Nakuru for its flamingo flocks and diverse birdlife, and Tsavo East and West for their vast landscapes and red elephants. Nairobi National Park, uniquely located near the capital’s skyline, offers a rare urban safari experience. The fee increases aim to fund critical conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols and habitat restoration, while enhancing visitor facilities like roads and campsites.
However, the hikes have sparked concerns among tour operators and local communities. Industry leaders argue that the higher costs, combined with a new 12-hour entry validity period (down from 24 hours), could discourage budget-conscious travelers and push tourists to rival destinations like Tanzania’s Serengeti, where fees remain lower at $80 per day. The mandatory shift to cashless payments via the eCitizen platform, introduced in 2024, adds another layer of complexity, requiring visitors to secure permits online in advance.
Stakeholder Reactions and Next Steps
Tourism stakeholders have expressed mixed sentiments. Some, like veteran hotelier Mohamed Hersi, support seasonal pricing but caution that sharp increases could shock domestic tourists and strain the sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 slump. Others emphasize the need for KWS to invest fee revenue transparently into visible improvements, such as better roads and ranger training, to justify the hikes.
KWS is currently seeking public input on the draft regulations, with a deadline for feedback set for August 15, 2025. The agency has pledged to balance affordability with conservation needs, noting that resident rates remain significantly lower than those for international visitors to encourage local tourism. If approved, the new fees will take effect from January 2026, marking a pivotal moment for Kenya’s conservation strategy. As KWS navigates the delicate balance between funding its mission and maintaining Kenya’s appeal as a premier safari destination, the outcome will shape the future of its national parks and the millions of tourists who visit them annually.
