New entry fees to national parks, reserves and sanctuaries take effect from Wednesday, October 1, 2025, marking the first review in a decade and a half after approval by Members of Parliament on September 25, 2025.

The new rates, coming days after Kenyans enjoyed free visits to parks, are hinged on the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access, Entry and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, and published under Legal Notice No. 160 of 2025, and will see visitors to Nairobi National Park, for example, part with Sh1,000, up from Sh430.

It also introduces yearly passes for regular visitors, with passes for adults to cost Sh45,000, while those for youngsters Sh10,400. Families, classified as two people and up to five children, pay Sh130,000, while couples pay Sh80,000.

Visitors from East African countries will part with Sh1,500, up from the usual Sh860, to visit Amboseli National Park; Meru, Kora, and Aberdare national parks will attract Sh800 for East Africans, Sh1,100 (resident), $70 (non-resident), and Mt Kenya National Park entry fee will be Sh800 (East African), Sh1,100 (resident).

According to the Kenya Wildlife Service Director General, Prof. Erustus Kanga, the intention is to preserve Kenya’s natural heritage, increase financing for conservation, improve visitor experiences, and guarantee that the country’s protected areas meet international tourism industry standards.

“The new regulations are the outcome of a year-long open, consultative and participatory process involving stakeholders from across the conservation, tourism and the general public,” Mr. Kanga said, reassuring park visitors that measures have been put in place to facilitate those who had already booked and paid for their trips through the government’s digital portal, e-Citizen.

The implementation of the new rates comes at a time when tourism supports over 1.1 million direct jobs in Kenya, with a bold target of recording 5.5 million tourists by 2027, according to Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.