FREE ENTRY TO ALL PARKS AS KENYA MARKS WORLD TOURISM DAY ON SEPTEMBER 27

The government has declared free entry to all national parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in celebration of United Nations World Tourism Day. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano announced the initiative, noting that it aligns with this year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” which underscores tourism’s role in driving social and economic progress.

“To honour this special day, the Government of Kenya is granting free entry to all Kenyan citizens to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)-managed parks, reserves, and sanctuaries,” Miano stated. She added that the initiative offers Kenyans a unique chance to reconnect with the country’s spectacular wildlife heritage while strengthening collective commitment to conservation.

The CS highlighted that the goal is to deepen appreciation for Kenya’s biodiversity and inspire shared responsibility to safeguard it for future generations. “We encourage all Kenyans to seize this opportunity to explore, learn, and celebrate the beauty of our natural heritage, which is not only Kenya’s pride but also a treasure for the world,” she said.

For details on accessing the free entry, Kenyans have been advised to visit the KWS website (kws.go.ke), follow the agency’s official social media pages, call the toll-free number 0800 597 000, or reach out via the WhatsApp Customer line at 0726 610 509.

World Tourism Day, established in 1980, seeks to raise awareness of tourism’s social and economic importance globally. This year’s free entry comes as the government prepares to increase park fees in a bid to bridge the Ksh12 billion annual budget deficit. A draft law, which has already undergone public participation in 29 counties, proposes raising entry fees from Ksh430 to Ksh1,000 for Kenyans, while foreigners would pay Ksh10,360, up from Ksh5,570.The proposal, however, exempts licensed tour guides, porters, boat crew, children under five, adults over 70, and persons with disabilities from paying entry fees.