The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is set to increase entry fees to national parks and protected areas in a bid to cover a funding shortfall of Sh11.87 billion.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
The proposed fee adjustment is outlined in the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, which is awaiting approval from Parliament.
During the 2024/25 financial year, KWS raised Sh7.92 billion, falling significantly short of its Sh19.79 billion revenue target. This gap has affected the agency’s capacity to safeguard wildlife, restore damaged ecosystems, and manage key conservation programs.
KWS now aims to raise Sh16.58 billion in revenue from parks by 2028 as part of its financial recovery plan.
“To address this shortfall, we have published a draft regulation proposing revised access fees for national parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and marine protected areas,” KWS said in a statement.
“If passed, this would mark the first major overhaul of park and conservation fees in 18 years—an essential move to reflect today’s conservation demands and the need for sustainable funding.”
Wildlife tourism is a major contributor to Kenya’s economy, accounting for around 10% of GDP and generating more than $1 billion annually in direct revenue.
KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga emphasized that the fee review is about more than revenue.
“This is a critical measure to ensure the survival of our wildlife, support communities living alongside conservation areas, and preserve Kenya’s natural heritage for future generations,” he said.
