By KWS Team
On Saturday, Kenyans from all walks of life turned up in their tens of thousands as the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) opened its parks, reserves, and sanctuaries to citizens free of charge.
A remarkable 83,932 Kenyans took advantage of this special opportunity to reconnect with nature and celebrate World Tourism Day.
The Nairobi Animal Orphanage emerged as the most visited facility, welcoming 21,485 visitors, closely followed by the Nairobi Safari Walk with 20,818 visitors.
Other popular destinations included the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary (14,435), Nairobi National Park (6,431), and Hell’s Gate National Park (3,077); underscoring the wide variety of unique wildlife and nature experiences Kenyans embraced.
The atmosphere across the country was one of joy and unity, as families, students, and nature lovers came together to celebrate Kenya’s rich natural heritage. Many expressed deep appreciation to the Government and KWS for making this initiative possible for the second year in a row, noting that such efforts not only make wildlife accessible to citizens but also strengthen the bond between people and nature.
This was more than just a free entry into the parks visit; it was a celebration of Magical Kenya, a powerful reminder that parks belong to all of us, and that conservation thrives when citizens actively take part.
John Kariuki