The government has rolled out immediate measures aimed at easing congestion and enhancing the visitor experience at Nairobi National Park.
This is in response to the surging number of tourists trooping to the park.
Regretting the weekend incident where a huge number of visitors had extended waiting time at the entry gates, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said they are streamlining access and improving overall efficiency.
“We understand that extended waiting times may have impacted your experience, and we are committed to making future visits seamless and memorable,” she said.
Miano announced the introduction of express lanes for prepaid ticket holders to accelerate park entry and additional entry gates.
This includes the full operation of the East Gate along Mombasa Road and Mbagathi Gate (Magadi Road), to decongest main entry points.
“These upgrades are not just about reducing queues; they are about reimagining the visitor experience while safeguarding our unique wildlife,” said Miano.
She also revealed future expansion plans, including a proposed Southern Bypass gate, to further boost accessibility.
The spike in attendance, she said, is largely attributed to Nairobi’s increasing prominence as a hub for international conferences and Kenya’s robust tourism marketing campaigns reflecting the country’s rising profile on the global stage.
She noted that over 60 per cent of Sunday visitors already utilised the eCitizen prepaid ticketing system- a trend the ministry is encouraging for faster, more convenient access.
"This is a step forward in our shared journey toward smarter, faster, and more enjoyable park access," she stated.
“Together, we are shaping a future where every trip to Nairobi National Park is an unforgettable adventure.”
The CS, at the same time, encouraged the visitors to book in advance via kws.ecitizen.go.ke.
President William Ruto recently announced that Kenya expects to receive a record number of tourists at 2.5 million by the end of this year alone.
He said that by 2027, the target is to attract five million visitors annually.
“That five million is attainable. Rebecca (Tourism Cabinet Secretary), I will be waiting and counting,” he said.
