Tourism CS nominee Rebecca Miano explains Maasai Mara fee increase

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary nominee Rebecca Miano has defended the recent increase in entry fees for Maasai Mara National Park.

Appearing before the Committee on Appointments on Saturday, Miano was asked to clarify the reasons behind the increase in charges, despite concerns that both local and international tourists might be deterred.

Miano explained that the fee adjustments were based on findings from the Tourism Strategy 2021–2025, which involved extensive consultation with stakeholders.

She noted that stakeholders recommended a review of the rates to ensure sufficient funds for the development, maintenance, and modernisation of the park, aiming to enhance its sustainability.

“I met with the Ministry officials and had a discussion with Narok County, where I discovered that a tourism strategy was developed with stakeholder input. The strategy highlighted the necessity of making Maasai Mara more competitive, and one of the proposals was to increase the rates. These rates had not been adjusted in the past 15 years, despite rising operational and maintenance costs,” she said.

She noted that the new rates, which took effect in January 2024, are lower than those suggested in the strategic plan.

“The revised rates are actually slightly below the recommendations of the strategy,” she said.

Tourism CS nominee Rebecca Miano appears before the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments on Saturday, August 3, 2024. (Photo: Parliament)

She revealed that, despite the increased rates, the data shows that visitor numbers remain high, with Maasai Mara being 90 per cent full.

“Data indicates that during this high season, Maasai Mara has been up to 90 per cent full and counting. This report gained momentum a few weeks ago despite the increment having been done in January,” she said.

Miano noted that if confirmed as CS, she will ensure transparency in her ministry to avoid disadvantaging Kenyans.

“If approved and I assume office, I will ensure that I have accurate data and information to make informed decisions and provide the public with correct and beneficial information,” Miano said.

For non-resident adults, the fee is $200 (Sh26,600) per person per day, while non-resident children and students are charged $50 (Sh6,650) per person per day. Adult East African residents will now pay Sh4,500 per person per day, and children, East African residents, and students will be charged Sh2,000 per person per day.

Adult Kenyan citizens will incur a fee of Sh3,000 per person per day, with children and student Kenyan citizens paying Sh1,000. Adult residents of Narok will pay Sh2,000 per person per day, while children above 10 years old will pay Sh500 per person per day, and those under 10 years old will enter free of charge.

Additionally, tourists staying in lodges and camps within the reserve boundaries will face higher fees compared to those staying in accommodations outside the park.

Miano also acknowledged that Kenya is doing much better than many other destinations that are attracting tourists.

“The Creator has endowed Kenya with natural resources, people that are hospitable, and many other tourist attractions, but we are still punching below the weight,” she said.