KENYA PROPOSES FREE NATIONAL PARK ENTRY FOR ELDERLY, CHILDREN, PWDS AND TOURISM WORKERS

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is considering new rules that would grant free entry into national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries for specific groups. The proposal is designed to benefit elderly citizens, young children, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and frontline tourism workers such as guides, drivers, porters, and boat crews. The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, in partnership with KWS, recently held a stakeholder forum in Nairobi to review the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations, 2025.

According to the draft, Kenyan citizens aged 70 years and above, children below five, and persons living with disabilities would be eligible for free entry. Frontline tourism workers registered with the relevant authority and licensed by the Tourism Regulatory Authority would also qualify. In addition, fishing boats registered under Beach Management Units (BMUs) would be exempted from paying anchoring fees in marine protected areas.

To access these waivers, eligible groups will be required to present valid identification such as a national ID, passport, disability card, or professional licence.

KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga said the initiative is aimed at making Kenya’s wildlife heritage more inclusive while recognising the contribution of those who facilitate tourism. “The new regulations recognise vulnerable and special groups. This is about fairness, dignity, and appreciation. Those who connect visitors to our wildlife and citizens who have given their lives to this country should not be excluded from experiencing our natural treasures,” he said.

The draft framework also categorises visitors into four groups. East African citizens include nationals from EAC member states. Kenyan residents are individuals legally living in Kenya with valid residence permits but who are not Kenyan or EAC citizens. African citizens cover visitors from other African countries outside the EAC, while non-residents refer to visitors from outside the continent.