Kenyans will have a unique opportunity this weekend to explore the country’s cultural and historical heritage as the nation joins the rest of the world in marking World Tourism Day.
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has announced free entry for all Kenyan citizens to its museums, monuments, and heritage sites across the country on Saturday, 27th, and Sunday, 28th September 2025.
“In celebration of World Tourism Day, there will be free entry to all our museums, sites, and monuments across the country on Saturday, 27th and Sunday, 28th September 2025. This offer is exclusively available to Kenyan citizens,” NMK said in a public notice.
The initiative is expected to draw thousands of visitors to leading cultural attractions including the Nairobi National Museum, Fort Jesus in Mombasa, and archaeological sites such as Kariandusi and Hyrax Hill.
Officials say the free access will give Kenyans an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, deepen their appreciation of heritage, and learn more about the country’s place in world history.
Alongside free entry, some museums will also host interactive exhibitions, cultural performances, traditional music, and guided tours tailored for families and school groups.
World Tourism Day, celebrated every year on 27th September, was established by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to raise awareness about tourism’s role in economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
This year’s theme is “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, focusing on how tourism can drive positive change for communities and economies.
This comes as the government also announced free access for Kenyan citizens to all Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)-managed parks, reserves, and sanctuaries on Saturday, September 27th.
“To honour this significant occasion, I am thrilled to announce that the Government of Kenya is offering free entry to all Kenyan citizens to visit Kenya Wildlife Service-managed national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries on Saturday, September 27th 2025,” said Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.
Miano said the initiative is meant to reconnect Kenyans with their natural heritage and foster conservation values.
“By opening the gates to these iconic spaces, we aim to foster a greater appreciation of Kenya's rich biodiversity and inspire a shared responsibility to protect it for generations to come,” she added.
Kenya’s participation in World Tourism Day reflects its continued commitment to promoting heritage, conservation, and domestic tourism at a time when the sector supports over 4 million jobs directly and indirectly across the country.
