By John Kariuki
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Professor Erustus Kanga has positioned himself at the forefront of a major conservation shift, unveiling the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations, 2025. Addressing a validation forum in Nairobi this morning, Prof. Kanga declared that the new framework is not merely about revising park fees but about “rewriting the future of Kenya’s conservation legacy.”
Prof. Kanga explained that the regulations are designed to meet the enormous financial and logistical demands of safeguarding Kenya’s wildlife and ecosystems. Protecting animals, patrolling vast parks, and ensuring local communities benefit from conservation requires a bold and sustainable approach.
The new framework is projected to raise annual conservation revenue from Ksh 7.98 billion to Ksh 16.5 billion by 2028. These funds will strengthen ranger operations, restore habitats, and modernize visitor facilities while directly supporting communities living near protected areas. It also promotes inclusivity by exempting Persons with Disabilities, East African senior citizens aged 70 and above, and children under five from park entry fees. Frontline tourism workers such as guides, drivers, porters, and boat operators will also access parks free of charge.
Prof. Kanga noted that the regulations will also expand the range of experiences available to visitors, moving beyond traditional game drives to include animal tracking, cultural tourism, conservation volunteering, and adventure safaris. He said this will encourage longer stays, greater spending, and broader economic impact, especially for young people and enterprises in conservation areas.
He emphasized that the additional revenue will be directly reinvested into improving visitor experiences, with urgent upgrades planned for roads, toilets, signage, and rest areas to meet international standards. He also pointed to intensified marketing campaigns to attract visitors to lesser-known parks and reserves, ensuring balanced growth across the tourism sector.
“These regulations are not just about fees,” Prof. Kanga concluded. “They are about securing a thriving wildlife population, sustaining livelihoods, and building an enduring legacy for generations to come. This is a collective investment in Kenya’s future.”
John Kariuki