KWS proposes changes in national park fees

Nairobi National Park main entrance. [Standard,file]

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has proposed changes that will see tourists paying more to visit the country's national parks.

During the peak season, which starts from July to March of the following year, the East African Community and resident adults will pay Sh2,000 up from Sh430 to visit parks such as the Nairobi National Park if the proposed changes are effected.

Adults from other African countries and those from international destinations will pay Sh7,167 and Sh14,335 respectively during the high season.

On the other hand, children from African countries will be charged Sh2,866 while those from international destinations will part with Sh5,015.

Simultaneously, the prices will remain the same for EAC residents during the low season (April to June). Other African residents will pay Sh2,867 while international tourists will be charged Sh14,335.

KWS considers Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Park as premium facilities.
During the high season, EAC and resident adults will pay Sh1,000. Adults from the rest of Africa, as well as those from international destinations, will pay Sh7,167 and Sh14,335 respectively.

In the low season, EAC and resident adults will pay Sh800 to enter the park. At the same time, adults from Africa and the rest of the world will pay Sh5,017 and Sh11,468 respectively.

Additionally, the age consideration limit for children will be adjusted from the current 3 to 17 years to 5 to 17 years.
This will see children below five years allowed free entry to the parks.

Senior citizens aged 70 years and above and people living with disabilities will also be allowed free entry to the parks.

According to KWS, the new changes will help attract more visitors during the low seasons and generally boost the tourism sector.

If the changes are approved, they will be effective from January 2024.