Tourism CS Miano Announces Free Entry to National Parks for Kenyans on World Tourism Day
All Kenyan citizens will get free access to all national parks, reserves and sanctuaries this Saturday as the country joins the world in celebrating International Tourism Day.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has announced that all Kenyans will get free entry to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)-managed facilities on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
This is as the world celebrates United Nations World Tourism Day, held every year on September 27. This year’s theme is “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” which highlights the role of tourism in community empowerment, conservation and economic growth.
“To mark this occasion, the Government of Kenya is offering free entry to all Kenyan citizens to visit KWS-managed national parks, reserves and sanctuaries,” CS Miano said.
She described the initiative as an opportunity for Kenyans to reconnect with their natural heritage and collective responsibility towards conservation.
“By opening the gates to these iconic spaces, we want to foster a greater appreciation of Kenya’s biodiversity and inspire a shared responsibility to protect it for generations to come,” she added.
She urged citizens to take full advantage of the offer to explore, learn and celebrate the beauty of Kenya’s natural wonders. For details on the free entry guidelines, members of the public can visit the KWS website, follow official social media platforms or call the KWS toll-free line.
The announcement comes as park entry fees are set to change. Parliament is expected to deliberate on new draft regulations that will significantly increase access charges.
If adopted, the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations 2025 will increase KWS revenue by Sh12 billion annually, taking total collections to at least Sh19 billion.
KWS Director-General Prof. Erastus Kanga said the changes are not just about increasing prices but ensuring conservation funding aligns with national development goals.
“The revenue will be directly reinvested to improve visitor experience in our parks and reserves,” Prof. Kanga said.
The additional funds will be used to support critical investments such as ranger recruitment, aerial patrols, fencing, road upgrades, new gates and community support programs.
As Kenya prepares to mark World Tourism Day, CS Miano called on Kenyans to come together and celebrate the country’s natural heritage while reaffirming the commitment to sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation.
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Tourism CS Miano Announces Free Entry to National Parks for Kenyans on World Tourism Day