The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife, Najib Balala, has reduced entry fees to all Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) game parks and reserves. This will apply for all categories of tourists (local, residents and international) effective July 1, 2020 for one year. At the same time KWS has given a one-year moratorium to lodge owners in its parks and reserves, for rent payment starting July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala made the announcement at KWS headquarters, attributing the drastic reduction in fees to the current economic crisis arising from the COVID 19 pandemic.
Hon. Balala called on owners of the lodges to use savings from the moratorium to improve on visitors’ experience and grow their businesses as well as promote KWS parks as preferred destinations for safari tourism. He also called on Kenyans to take advantage of the affordable park entry fees to sample the beauty of Kenya’s flora and fauna.
The CS further announced a 50% discount on filming fees for both local and international producers filming in parks and reserves and once again asked them to utilize this window to grow their businesses as well as market Kenya.
In the new changes, residents and citizens will now enjoy the same rates. Park entry fees for domestic tourists (citizens and residents) in Premium Parks like Nairobi National park, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Tsavo East and West have gone down by 47 per cent pegging the drop to gazetted conservation fees 2019 which were to take effect on July 1, 2020.
The CS urged investors in KWS parks and reserves to adhere to the officially launched “Magical Kenya Tourism Health and Safety Protocols” as they refurbish their facilities. He added that those who fail to do so risk not enjoying the moratorium.
