The government has announced free entry into all national parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries across Kenya on Saturday, September 27, 2025, to mark United Nations World Tourism Day.
In a statement, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the initiative seeks to celebrate the annual event while highlighting this year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” which underscores tourism’s potential to drive positive change for societies and economies.
“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,” CS Miano said. She noted that the move is designed to give Kenyans a chance to reconnect with the country’s unique wildlife heritage while fostering a stronger culture of conservation.
The CS urged Kenyans to take advantage of the opportunity to explore and appreciate the nation’s biodiversity. “Our parks, reserves, and sanctuaries are not just Kenya’s pride but the world’s heritage,” she added.
Kenyans seeking guidance on accessing the parks can find details on the Kenya Wildlife Service website at kws.go.ke, through KWS social media platforms, by calling the toll-free number 0800597000, or by reaching the WhatsApp customer service line at 0726610509.
World Tourism Day, established in 1980, aims to raise awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, and economic impact. Kenya’s participation comes at a time when the government is also considering a review of park entry fees to address a Ksh12 billion annual budget deficit.
The draft law, currently undergoing public participation, proposes raising park fees for Kenyans from Ksh430 to Ksh1,000, while foreigners would pay Ksh10,360 up from Ksh5,570. However, exemptions are planned for licensed tour guides, porters, boat crews, children under five, senior citizens over 70, and people with disabilities.
