KWS Proposes Free Park Entry for Seniors, Children, and Disabled Visitors in New Draft Regulations
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has proposed that senior citizens aged 70 and above, children under five and people with disabilities enjoy free entry to Kenya’s national parks and reserves.
The proposal is contained in the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025 which was presented at a stakeholder validation forum in Nairobi.
“KWS 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 is based on feedback collected from 20 counties during recent public participation forums,” KWS said in a statement.
Tour service providers including guides, porters, boat crews and tour leaders will also get free entry. KWS has opened the proposals for written submissions and online feedback before they are finalised and tabled in Parliament.
New Fees and Packages
The draft introduces several changes to boost tourism and conservation. Non residents will pay a uniform marine park entry fee of Ksh 3,220 (USD 25) while communities living near parks will run bicycle rental schemes to generate income.
Discounted travel packages are also on offer for Tsavo–Amboseli and Nairobi National Park as well as new incentives for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
KWS is also looking to expand visitor experiences through night game drives, walking safaris and balloon safaris – experiences that will increase Kenya’s global safari appeal.
Funding Conservation
This is the first review of park conservation fees in 18 years. The proposed framework will increase entry charges by 30 to 70 per cent depending on the park category and type of visitor.
According to KWS the new structure will bridge an annual funding gap of Ksh 12 billion while ensuring financial sustainability. The revenue collected will be reinvested to improve visitor services, strengthen wildlife conservation and support local community projects.
If approved the new fee regime will come into effect in early 2026 marking a big shift in how Kenya funds and manages its parks and reserves.
“KWS will balance financial sustainability with affordability while protecting Kenya’s wildlife heritage,” the service said.
Also Read: Select Youths to Receive Ksh1 Million in New Government Initiative
KWS Proposes Free Park Entry for Seniors, Children, and Disabled Visitors in New Draft Regulations