The Milimani High Court has issued temporary orders suspending the rollout of the newly revised Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) park entry fees.
The decision was made on Thursday after the Kenya Tourism Federation filed a case challenging the increase.
Justice John Chigiti Mugwimi granted the conservatory orders against the State Law Office and KWS, effectively pausing the fee adjustments until the matter is fully heard in court. The case is scheduled for mention on November 25, 2025.
Controversial Fee Hike Put on Hold
KWS had already started enforcing the new charges from October 1, sparking widespread debate among local tourists, tour operators, and conservation stakeholders.
The revised fees were drawn from the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access, Entry and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations 2025, which Parliament approved on September 25.
Under the proposed structure:
- Charges were to vary based on season, with July to March considered high season, and April to June marked as low season.
- Different rates would apply to Kenyan citizens, residents, and foreign visitors.
Sample of Proposed Park Charges
| Park / Category | Kenyan Residents | Foreign Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi National Park | Ksh 430 → Ksh 1,000 | USD 43 → USD 80 (Ksh 10,360) |
| Amboseli / Lake Nakuru (Premium Parks) | Ksh 1,500 | USD 88 → USD 90+ / Ksh 11,660 |
| Meru / Aberdare (Mid-tier Parks) | Ksh 800 | USD 70 (Ksh 9,070) |
| Hell’s Gate | Ksh 500 | USD rates similar to mid-tier |
Annual Passes and Special Exemptions
KWS had also introduced annual park access packages, including:
- Ksh 45,000 for adults
- Ksh 10,400 for children
- Ksh 130,000 for a family pass (two adults + up to five children)
However, the policy included free entry for:
- Senior citizens aged 70 and above
- Persons living with disabilities
What Happens Next?
With the court order in place, KWS must revert to the previous park entry fees until the case is determined. The ruling has been welcomed by players in the tourism sector, many of whom feared the sharp price increase would discourage local tourism and affect business for tour operators.
The final decision on whether the new fees will be implemented will be made after the November 25 hearing.
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