Kenyans To Pay KSh 2250 To Visit Nairobi National Park Up From KSh 430, KWS Proposes

• Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the proposed charges would take effect from January 2024 to December 2025
• Kenyans visiting the iconic Nairobi National Park will have to dig deeper into their pockets to pay KSh 2,250 from the current KSh 430
• Most Kenyans who read the new charges complained that it would burden Kenyans and discourage domestic tourism

Nairobi - Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has proposed new charges for tourists visiting national parks and conservancies.

The new charges that would see Kenyans dig deeper into their pockets are set to be implemented from January 2024 to 2025.

According to a fee schedule released for public participation, the highest amounts would be at parks such as Nairobi National Park.

Kenyans will now pay KSh 2,250 to gain entry to the park in the middle of the capital, a rise from the current KSh 430.

Dubbed the Nairobi package, the tour would encompass a tour of Nairobi National Park, Nairobi Animal Orphanage, and Safari Walk. Children would have to part with KSh 650, almost triple from KSh 120.

Non-resident tourists from Africa will now pay KSh 7,160 from KSh 6,166 for adults and KSh 3,154 from KSh 2,868 for children.

Other international tourists, who are currently paying the same rates as non-resident tourists from Africa, would begin to pay KSh 14,320 for adults and KSh 5,019 for children.

Is KWS's price increase proposal justified?

The proposed changes have been received with widespread condemnation, with most Kenyans accusing the KWS of not considering the country's economic situation.

Most pointed out that the new charges would discourage domestic tourism, which has always contributed

TUKO.co.ke sampled some of the reactions below:

@Peshy_E:

"Hawa wanyama ntawapata pale Nat Geo for free hata kama sitapiga picha because hii pesa surely kama sisi tunalipa hivi na watalili wa kuja kuona Simba wakiswim will pay how much."

@korongoa:

"Reversing the gains made in promoting local tourism."

@BirahKevin

"We will start visiting Rwanda and TZ. Hii nayo KWS wajione wanyama wao!"

@Jkchemboy

"Watu wa Rongai tuko sawa ata mkifikisha six saosand, hua tunaona wanyama kila siku for free."

@Kips_Nai

"Acha nifanye mjengo, invest and save cash to take my family to Zanzibar. I say no to this."

Kenyans interested in snake farming

In a separate incident, TUKO.co.ke reported the KWS was open to applications by Kenyans seeking to rear snakes.

Before embarking on the venture, those interested have been asked to acquire the licence application form for authority to Operate Wildlife Utilisation Enterprise.

Once the application form has been acquired and duly filled, the individual should return it to a KWS Licensing/Regulatory Affairs Office for review before the license is issued.