NAIROBI, Kenya, July 10 – The Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) plans to increase park entrance fees to bridge a funding deficit of Sh11.87 billion.
The proposal is contained in the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, which awaits parliamentary approval.
In the 2024/25 fiscal year (FY), for example, KWS generated Sh7.92 billion against a target of Sh19.79 billion, impacting the ability to protect wildlife, restore degraded ecosystems, and address other issues.
As part of the deal, it plans to collect Sh16.58 billion from parks by 2028.
“To help bridge this gap, KWS has gazetted the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, proposing a revised fee structure for access to national parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and marine protected areas,” KWS said in a statement.
“If approved, this will be the first comprehensive review of conservation fees in 18 years—a long-overdue move that reflects current conservation realities and the urgent need for sustainable financing.”
In Kenya, wildlife tourism remains a vital pillar of economy, contributing approximately 10 percent to national GDP and generating over $1 billion in direct annual revenue.
“This review is not just about revenue—it is about the survival of our wildlife and the resilience of our conservation systems,” said KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga.
“It’s a bold and necessary step to protect our biodiversity, support communities who coexist with wildlife, and secure the future of Kenya’s natural heritage for generations to come.”
