The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced plans to change entrance fees for national parks, reserves, marine parks and sanctuaries across the country.
The Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano piblished the notice on June 25, 2025, with the intention to introduce the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation) fees Regulations, 2025.
The proposed regulations fall under section 116(1) and (2)(b) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, Cap. 376, giving them firm legal grounding from the start.
KWS says the core goal is to ensure that entry fees into protected areas support the long-term survival of wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on.
Beyond conservation, the fees are meant to promote co-existence between humans and wildlife, an issue that has long affected communities living near game parks and reserves.
The government also wants the new fees to strengthen community and stakeholder participation, implying that locals near protected areas could have a bigger say and share in how revenue is used.
The notice further states that enhancing the wildlife economy is another stated objective, with the review being tied to broader efforts to make Kenya’s tourism sector more competitive and financially sustainable, with the public given two weeks to respond.
“Any person likely to be affected by the proposed Regulations may submit a written memorandum on the proposed Regulations within fourteen days from the date of this notice,” the notice reads.
That 14-day window is now open, and submissions must be delivered on weekdays between 8 am and 5 pm or sent via email to [email protected].
Written memoranda should be addressed to the Director-General at Kenya Wildlife Service Headquarters, along Lang’ata Road.
The public can access the full proposed regulations and regulatory impact statement for free on the Ministry of Tourism website at www.tourism.go.ke or the KWS website.
Printed copies are also available at all national parks, reserves, marine parks, marine reserves, and sanctuaries managed by KWS countrywide, making access fairly wide.
The notice further states that submissions must follow a specific format that includes the part of the regulations being addressed, the section, the proposed recommendation, and the justification behind it.
However, with the changes in national parks and game reserves set to take place, the Ministry has yet to announce the new charge adjustments to be implemented.
