The Kenya Wildlife Service has proposed an increase in conservation fees, a move that has raised a storm from some members of the public.
An adult East African citizen/ resident will now pay Sh2,000 to visit Nairobi National Park as opposed to Sh500 that was previously paid.
“The rates are very high and sometimes when we go there for game drives, we only see zebras,” a nature lover said.
The new proposals say the package for Nairobi National Park that includes Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Nairobi Safari Walk will be Sh2,250. A student will pay Sh650.
During the past low season, fees for East Africa citizens were capped at Sh600 for adults and Sh215 for students.
Under the new proposals, an adult who is EAC citizen/ resident will now part with Sh1,000 to gain access into Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Park during the high season of July to March.
A child/ student will pay Sh500.
Initially, fee to the two National Parks for an adult was Sh800.
During the high season, an adult visitor from the rest of Africa will pay US $50 to access Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Park during the high season of July to March while a child will pay US $20.
An adult international visitor will now pay US $100 during high season to access Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Park while a student will pay US $35.
Initially, an adult visiting such parks during high seasons used to pay US $70 and a student US $20.
Accessing Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park under the new proposals will now cost EAC adult Sh500 during the high season.
The same applies to Meru, Kora and Aberdare National Parks.
Animal tracking in selected parks with prior arrangement (per person) cost Sh2,000 for EAC Citizen and those from the rest of Africa/Resident, while international visitors will part with US $20.
Commercial photography and videography for feature films, adverts, dramas, music video and short features with relevant licenses will cost Sh10,000 per day for EAC Citizen and those from the rest of Africa, while the international visitors will pay US $100.
KWS has defended the move saying there was strict adherence to the constitution, and the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013.
“The KWS conducted nationwide public participation forums between January 30 to the February 23, 2023, whose objective was to get public input on the revision of conservation fees for national parks and reserves,” Corporate Communications said in a statement.
KWS is mandated to undertake periodic, comprehensive reviews of its products and fees to ensure alignment and standardisation with both local and international conservation and business landscapes.
The proposed conservation fees covers January 2024 to December 2025.
Kenya is a premium destination, boasting iconic and unparalleled experiences.
With dramatic plains, wild landscapes, thriving wildlife populations, rich wetlands, undulating seascapes, rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and dense forests, all set against our rich cultural backdrop. Our offerings are truly unmatched.
KWS said it is with this richness in mind that they strive to enhance and add value to the authentic Kenyan experience.
It said tourism revenue not only supports conservation, security, and market research but also bolsters the education and livelihood of local communities.
“Additionally, it enhances the infrastructure, circuit roads, and overall customer experience within our parks.”
Under the proposed fees, EAC residents will benefit from lower rates as per the EAC agreement, while other nationalities within the EAC will be treated as non-residents.
The age consideration limit for children will be adjusted from the current 3-17 years to 5-17 years, with the objective of enhancing conservation education.
Children below five and senior citizens, aged 70 years and above and Kenyan Persons living with Disabilities as defined by the Persons Living with Disability Act, will have free access to all parks to all parks in the country.