Tourism and wildlife stakeholders in Watamu, Kilifi County, have backed the
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) proposal to review the park entry fee.
They, at the same time, urged that the changes be matched with improved
service delivery and measurable conservation outcomes.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement forum
held at Turtle Bay Resort to discuss the proposed conservation fee adjustments,
Patrick Changawa, a tour operator in Watamu, emphasised the area’s vital
contribution to Kenya’s tourism industry.
He commended KWS for involving local players in the consultative process.
“The KWS team has sensitised us on how the
revised conservation fees will be used. A significant portion of the funds will
go toward enhancing marine parks through coral reef restoration, pollution
control, and community outreach programs,” Changawa said.
“The revised fees will also strengthen security operations, ensuring visitor
safety and reinforcing the Kenyan Coast’s reputation as a top global
destination.”
KWS Senior Assistant Director for the Coast
Conservation Area, Elema Hapicha, noted that similar public participation
forums are being held across the country to gather input from stakeholders.
“Watamu stakeholders have provided valuable
feedback on the draft conservation fee structure,” Hapicha said.
“They’ve stressed that any additional revenue must lead to tangible improvements in both conservation and service delivery, particularly within marine ecosystems. We are committed to addressing the issues raised. The input collected through these forums and written submissions will help inform a revised draft, which will undergo further stakeholder validation.”
Geoffrey Maundu, Secretary General of the
Umoja Town Watamu Beach Operators Association, welcomed the proposed fee
review, calling it long overdue.
He called for transparent and effective management of the expected revenues,
particularly in the Turtle Bay area.
“KWS has shared their proposals with us, and
we’ve responded with our feedback. Once the new fee structure is implemented,
we expect to see real improvements,” Maundu said.
“That includes upgraded infrastructure at Turtle Bay, such as improved
access roads and clean public washrooms.”
The proposed review is anchored in the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees)
Regulations, 2025.
If adopted, it would mark the first comprehensive adjustment to conservation
fees in 18 years, a move stakeholders say is long needed to address modern
conservation challenges and ensure sustainable funding for Kenya’s protected
areas.
