KWS Proposes Park Fee Overhaul to Bridge Sh12bn Conservation Funding Gap
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has proposed a revised fee structure for entry to national parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and marine protected areas in a bid to narrow a Sh12 billion annual funding shortfall. The draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025—gazetted for public input—represent the first comprehensive fee review in 18 years. In FY2024/25, KWS generated Sh7.92 billion against a required Sh19.79 billion, limiting its ability to address increasing conservation demands, including ecosystem restoration and anti-poaching measures.
If approved, the new framework could see park revenues nearly double to Sh16.58 billion by 2028, supporting core conservation operations and reducing reliance on government funding. Over 90% of KWS’s internal income is tourism-based, and the revised fees aim to balance financial sustainability with affordability, ensuring Kenya remains a globally competitive wildlife destination. The changes also align with KWS’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, which outlines goals to improve visitor experience, support local communities, and enhance long-term conservation impact.
Proposed park entry fee hike
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Locals: Sh430 → Sh1,000
Foreigners: $43 (Sh5,570) → $80 (Sh10,360)
TSAVO EAST & WEST
Locals: Sh515 → Sh1,000
Foreigners: $52 (Sh6,700) → $80 (Sh10,360)
MERU, KORA, ABERDARE PARKS
Locals: Sh300 → Sh800
Foreigners: $52 (Sh6,724) → $70 (Sh9,070)
SCENIC PARKS (HELL’S GATE, LONGONOT, ETC.)
Locals: Sh300 → Sh500
Via KATA
Source: The Star