- The National parks and reserves will be free for Kenyan citizens on September 28, 2024, to appreciate Kenyans for their wildlife conservation and to mark World Tourism Day.
- This gesture is in recognition of Kenyans' continued support for wildlife conservation and marks World Tourism Day in style.
Image: FILE
The Kenyan government in celebration of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) day has announced a one-day waiver of entry fees to national parks and reserves for Kenyan citizens.
The National parks and reserves will be free for Kenyan citizens on September 28, 2024, to appreciate Kenyans for their wildlife conservation and to mark World Tourism Day.
This gesture is in recognition of Kenyans' continued support for wildlife conservation and marks World Tourism Day in style.
Kenyans will have the opportunity to explore the country's rich wildlife heritage without paying an entry fee.
This applies to all national parks and reserves managed by the KWS, including the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Nairobi Safari Walk, and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary.
KWS has also established several guidelines for visitors to ensure the smooth implementation of the offer.
The free entry is applicable only to KWS-managed parks, reserves, and captive wildlife facilities, that have access to national parks and reserves permitted only by vehicle.
It will apply to locations like the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Safari Walk, and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary can be accessed on foot.
Gates will open at 6:00 am, and all visitors must exit by 6:30 pm.
This offer is exclusive to Kenyan citizens, and adults aged 18 and above are required to present valid identification at entry points.
The said that visitors must adhere to park rules provided upon entry, which include obeying KWS staff instructions, avoiding single-use plastics, observing speed limits and designated roads, refraining from disturbing wildlife or making loud noises, and not littering while staying in vehicles except in designated areas.
Additionally, national parks that operate by buses will collaborate with local communities and schools to provide free interpretative tours, enhancing the learning experience for the younger generation.
KWS said they will also deploy extra customer service personnel in parks that are expected to see a surge in visitors.
They however said that the free entry is limited to game drives and wildlife viewing and that activities like guided tours, camping, and other special events will still require payment.
To ensure crowd management and smooth traffic flow, the KWS said it is working closely with the national police so that Security will be heightened.
KWS added that for those who had already purchased tickets for entry on September 28, the system will process their visit as usual, but rescheduling of pre-paid tickets will not be allowed.
The KWS stated that tour vehicles carrying foreign tourists will still need to pay the applicable entry fees for the vehicle and the visitors, although Kenyan drivers will be exempted from paying.
KWS encourages all visitors to enjoy this opportunity to reconnect with nature, celebrate the beauty of Kenya’s wildlife and celebrate World Tourism Day.