Kenya will throw open the gates of its national parks, reserves and sanctuaries this Saturday, offering citizens free entry to mark World Tourism Day.
The announcement was made by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, who framed the gesture as both a celebration and a reminder.
“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-managed national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries on Saturday, 27th September,” she said in a statement.
The initiative coincides with the United Nations’ annual day dedicated to tourism, whose 2025 theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” highlights the role of travel in supporting conservation, local economies and cultural exchange.
Ms Miano urged Kenyans to seize the opportunity to rediscover the country’s landscapes and wildlife. “By opening the gates to these iconic spaces, we aim to foster a greater appreciation of Kenya’s rich biodiversity and inspire a shared responsibility to protect it for generations to come,” she said.
She encouraged visitors to check the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website and social media platforms for entry guidelines. KWS has also provided a toll-free hotline and WhatsApp contact for inquiries.
The offer comes as lawmakers consider new regulations that could raise park entry fees. The draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations 2025 would allow KWS to generate an additional 12 billion shillings annually, up from the seven billion it currently collects.
KWS Director-General Prof Erastus Kanga has defended the proposal, saying the funds will be channelled back into conservation. “The revenue generated will be directly reinvested to enhance visitor experience in our parks and reserves,” he said. Plans include new ranger recruits, stronger aerial patrols, better road networks and more community support.
Conservationists have often praised Kenya’s model of balancing tourism with wildlife protection. For Ms Miano, free entry this weekend is more than a symbolic gesture. “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 said.
About the Author
