The government has announced that entry to all parks, including national parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries, will be free on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano explained that the gesture is part of the annual United Nations World Tourism Day celebrations.

She further noted that the initiative ties into this year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” which underscores tourism’s role in fostering social and economic progress.

“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 (KWS)-managed national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries,” Miano said.

The move offers Kenyans a unique opportunity to experience the country’s stunning wildlife and strengthen their commitment to conservation.

The CS highlighted that granting free access to parks was intended to encourage greater appreciation of Kenya’s diverse ecosystems and nurture a sense of collective duty to safeguard them for future generations.

“We invite all Kenyans to take advantage of this opportunity to explore, learn, and celebrate the wonders of our parks, reserves, and sanctuaries, which are not just Kenya’s pride but the world’s heritage,” she added.

Kenyans looking for details on the free entry have been advised to check the KWS website at kws.go.ke or follow its official social media pages for real-time updates.

They can also contact the service through the toll-free line 0800597000 or make inquiries via the WhatsApp customer number 0726610509.

World Tourism Day was introduced in 1980 by the United Nations to raise awareness globally on tourism’s importance in driving social and economic development.

This is notably the second successive year that Kenyans have been getting the opportunity to visit the country’s parks. A similar move was announced in September last year, following the Cabinet’s approval.

According to a despatch from the first broad-based Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto, the move had formed part of a week-long series of activities set to run from September 22 to 29, 2024, in honour of the annual event.

“Cabinet approved the calendar of activities to mark the United Nations World Tourism Day/Week in September 2024. The week-long event, running from 22nd September to 29th, will include free entry to all parks on 28th September 2024,” read the despatch in part.

The move was expected to draw both local and international visitors, strengthening Kenya’s position as a leading tourist destination. 

Before that, the last time access to all national parks in the country was made free of charge was during Jamhuri Day on December 12, 2023, which allowed Kenyans to enjoy the pristine wildlife and nature in all forms as the country marked 60 years since gaining independence.