Kenya, July 14 -- Kenya's plan to raise national park entry fees by up to 249% has raised alarms, with projections indicating a sharp decline in domestic tourism from 2.3 million visitors in 2024 to 1.7 million in the first year of implementation.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) proposed the fee increase under the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, to address a Ksh 12 billion annual budget deficit.
However, the steep hike, particularly affecting price-sensitive domestic tourists, has ignited debate about balancing conservation funding with accessibility to Kenya's iconic parks like Nairobi National Park, Masai Mara, and Amboseli.
The proposed fee structure significantly impacts local visitors. For instance, Nairobi National Park's entry fee for Kenyan citizens would rise from Ksh 430 to Ksh 1,000, while premium parks like Amboseli and Lake Nakuru would increase from Ksh 860 to Ksh 1,500 for adults.
Tsavo East and West face a jump from Ksh 515 to Ksh 1,000. Non-residents will see a 50-60% increase, with fees for premium parks like Masai Mara rising from $80 to $200 during peak season (July to February).
KWS argues that the additional revenue will fund anti-poaching efforts, habitat restoration, and infrastructure upgrades, addressing a funding gap that limits responses to poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and climate-related threats.
Domestic tourists, however, are more price-sensitive than international visitors, who are less deterred by the hikes due to Kenya's global safari appeal.
A 2024 High Court ruling blocked a similar fee increase for Nairobi National Park (from Ksh 430 to Ksh 2,000) after public outcry over inadequate stakeholder consultation, highlighting concerns about affordability for local families and students.
The Domestic Tourism Association (DTA) warns that the 249% hike could reduce park accessibility, undermining efforts to promote local tourism.
"The fee increase might bring short-term revenue but risks long-term damage to visitor numbers and public support for conservation," said DTA adviser Benjamin Ndegea.
Social media reactions reflect public frustration, with one user stating, "Raising park fees by 249% because locals aren't visiting enough? That's backwards thinking!"
Another post predicted a drop in domestic tourist numbers, noting, "Kenyans can't afford these prices. We're losing our natural heritage." KWS anticipates a 5% overall visitor decline but plans to offset this through enhanced marketing and improved park amenities.
Critics, including tour operators, argue that the hikes could divert tourists to Tanzania's Serengeti, where fees remain lower at $70 per day, compared to Masai Mara's proposed $200.
The tourism sector, a key economic driver, faces challenges beyond fees, including recent protests and economic pressures like high interest rates and currency fluctuations.
In 2024, Masai Mara's bed occupancy dropped to 70% during the peak wildebeest migration season, partly attributed to the fee hikes and external factors.
Luxury camps like Sarova Mara report strong bookings, but budget-conscious domestic tourists may be priced out. KWS's strategy includes promoting off-peak travel with low-season discounts and supporting private conservancies to reduce pressure on public parks.
The proposed fees aim to close a Ksh 12 billion funding gap, with KWS generating only Ksh 7.92 billion annually against a Ksh 19.79 billion budget. Over 90% of its revenue comes from tourism, unchanged since the last fee review 18 years ago.
While the hikes could fund critical initiatives like wildlife monitoring and ranger patrols, the High Court's 2024 ruling underscores the need for public participation.
Stakeholders argue that alternatives, such as gamified eco-missions or seasonal events like "Migration under the Stars," could boost revenue without alienating locals.
As Kenya navigates this delicate balance, the fee hike's impact on domestic tourism remains a focal point. The government's goal of reaching 5.5 million international tourists by 2027 could be jeopardised if local support wanes.
For now, KWS awaits regulatory approval, with a court ruling expected to shape the policy's future. Kenyans are urged to engage in public consultations to ensure parks like Nairobi National Park remain accessible, preserving the nation's wildlife heritage for all.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.