Mombasa: Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) plans to raise conservation fees for tourists visiting the country’s national parks and game reserves in a bid to boost funding for wildlife protection. The state agency is now conducting a nationwide public participation exercise to sensitize and gather feedback from stakeholders on the proposed adjustments to park entry and conservation fees.
According to Kenya News Agency, the proposed comprehensive review of conservation fees for entry into national parks, game reserves, marine parks, and sanctuaries is underpinned by the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations 2025. KWS said the proposed increase, expected to take effect in January 2026, will apply to both international and local tourists, though exact figures have not yet been disclosed.
KWS Director General Prof. Erastus Kanga noted the income generated from wildlife is Sh7.9 billion annually, while conservation needs amount to Sh19.7 billion, resulting in a shortfall of Sh12 billion. The additional revenue from the fees will be directed towards patrols, habitat restoration, and community programs surrounding the parks.
However, hotelier and coast tourism stakeholders have raised concerns that higher fees could make Kenya less competitive compared to neighboring tourist destinations like Tanzania. During a public participation forum in Mombasa, stakeholder Mohammed Hersi suggested KWS should compare Kenya with Botswana and South Africa, not just Tanzania, and introduce seasonal ticket options.
Hersi emphasized the need for marine park fees to remain competitive with Tanzania and urged government intervention to sustain KWS, noting that park fees alone cannot support the state agency. He also proposed the formation of a Trust Fund to assist in raising funds.
Tour operators have called for a gradual rollout of the new rates to avoid discouraging visitors. Wildlife tourism is a vital pillar of Kenya’s economy, contributing approximately 10 percent to national GDP and generating substantial revenue. Kenya’s more than 20 national parks and reserves attract over 1.5 million tourists annually.
KWS officials stated that if approved, this would be the first comprehensive review of conservation fees in 18 years, aimed at addressing current conservation realities and the urgent need for sustainable financing. Kanga highlighted the importance of inclusive decision-making through consultation forums, ensuring all voices are heard in shaping the future of the parks.
An impact assessment conducted prior to drafting the new regulations informed the proposed pricing model. Under the new framework, park revenues are projected to grow from Sh7.92 billion in 2024 to Sh16.58 billion by 2028, driven by trends in visitation and spending behavior.
Kenyans are encouraged to share their views through public participation forums, with stakeholders able to submit feedback at any KWS office, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife headquarters, or via email by August 5, 2025. Following the public participation process, feedback will be consolidated into a final report, and the draft regulations will be revised and submitted to Parliament for review and approval.
