The United Nations World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on 27th September, and this year's theme, "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation," reminds the world of the power of tourism to drive positive change for communities, conservation, and the economy.
“To honour this significant occasion, I am thrilled to announce that the Government of Kenya is offering free entry to all Kenyan citizens to visit Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)-managed national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries on Saturday, September 27th 2025,” Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano announced.
CS Miano said this initiative is an opportunity for every Kenyan to reconnect with breathtaking wildlife heritage, deepen collective commitment to conservation, and experience the unparalleled beauty of natural treasures.
“By opening the gates to these iconic spaces, we aim to foster a greater appreciation of Kenya's rich biodiversity and inspire a shared responsibility to protect it for generations to come,” she added.
Miano added;
"We invite all Kenyans to take advantage of this opportunity to explore, learn, and celebrate the wonders of our parks, reserves, and sanctuaries, which are not just Kenya's pride but the world's heritage.”
For guidelines on free entry, the public has been asked to visit www.kws.go.ke, follow all official KWS social media platforms, or call the KWS toll-free number at 0800597000. You can also make inquiries via the KWS WhatsApp Customer number at 0726610509.
“Let's come together as a nation to celebrate the 2025 UN World Tourism Day and reaffirm our commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation,” Miano added.
This comes even as parliament is expected to approve draft regulations that may see the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) increase park entry fees as the agency seeks to stop relying on the treasury over dwindling allocations.
The draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations 2025, if adopted by parliament as proposed, will see KWS collect an additional Sh12 billion annually in access fees from its national parks, national reserves and sanctuaries across the country.
KWS, which currently collects slightly above Sh7 billion in access fees, is targeting at least Sh19 billion annually to enable it to become self-reliant in recruiting more rangers, enhancing aerial patrols, fencing and improving roads within the parks.
KWS Director-General Prof Erastus Kanga says that the regulations are not about a change in price but the value of conservation in national development.
“We are determined to ensure that these regulations are developed, adopted, and implemented through an inclusive process. The revenue generated from these regulations will be directly reinvested to enhance visitor experience in our parks and reserves,” Prof Kanga says.
The funds are also critical to the construction of convenient rooms within the wildlife facilities for tourists, more gates, as well as supporting the neighbouring communities, among others.
