Kenyans to access game parks for free on World Tourism Day - CS Rebecca Miano
CS Rebecca Miano explained that the move provides a rare opportunity for Kenyans to reconnect with the country’s wildlife heritage while fostering a deeper appreciation of biodiversity.
Kenyans will enjoy free access to all Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)-managed national parks, game reserves and sanctuaries on September 27, 2025, to mark the United Nations World Tourism Day.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the initiative is designed to encourage conservation and promote sustainable tourism under this year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
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“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,” Miano said on Tuesday in a statement.
She explained that the move provides a rare opportunity for Kenyans to reconnect with the country’s wildlife heritage while fostering a deeper appreciation of biodiversity.
The CS noted that the initiative also seeks to strengthen a collective responsibility to protect Kenya’s natural treasures for generations to come.
“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,” Miano added.
The ministry directed those seeking information on the free entry to check the KWS website at kws.go.ke, follow its official social media pages, call the toll-free line 0800597000, or use the WhatsApp customer number 0726610509.
World Tourism Day was created in 1980 to highlight the impact of tourism on economies and societies worldwide.
This year’s celebration in Kenya comes as the government pushes for new legislation that proposes raising park entry fees to plug a Ksh12 billion annual budget gap.
The draft law, which has already undergone public participation in 29 counties, proposes raising park entry charges for Kenyans from Sh430 to Sh1,000 and for foreigners from Sh5,570 to Sh10,360.
The proposed law, however, exempts children under five, adults above 70, licensed tour guides, porters, boat crew and persons with disabilities.
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