In celebration of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Day and Week, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has unveiled guidelines for free entry to national parks and captive wildlife facilities on September 28. This initiative, exclusively for Kenyan citizens, aims to appreciate their continued support for wildlife conservation efforts in the country.
KWS stated, “To implement the offer, the following guidelines shall apply to ensure smooth facilitation of Kenya citizens to enter and sample our country’s magnificent wildlife heritage in the national parks, reserves, Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Nairobi Safari Walk, and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary.”
Guidelines for Free Entry
- Eligibility and Access:
The offer is valid for all national parks, reserves, and captive wildlife facilities managed by KWS. Entry to national parks and reserves will be permitted only by vehicle, while access to the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Nairobi Safari Walk, and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary will be on foot. - Timing:
Visitors can enter from 6:00 AM and must exit by 6:30 PM. - Identification:
Only Kenyan citizens are eligible for free entry. Individuals over 18 must present valid identification, such as a national ID card or passport, for verification at the entrance. - Rules and Regulations:
Visitors must adhere to all rules and regulations of the parks and reserves. KWS will distribute pamphlets outlining these rules, which include:- Following KWS staff instructions at entry points.
- Maintaining orderliness and avoiding littering.
- No single-use plastics in the parks.
- Adhering to prescribed speed limits and remaining on designated roads.
- Staying inside vehicles except at marked locations and avoiding disturbances to wildlife.
To ensure a smooth experience, KWS will deploy additional customer service personnel in parks anticipated to attract large numbers of visitors. Security personnel will be stationed to manage crowds and ensure safety, coordinating with the national police service for traffic control.
For visitors who have pre-paid for visits on September 28, KWS has assured that they will be processed as scheduled, with no need for rescheduling. Vehicles with non-resident tourists will incur applicable entry fees, while Kenyan drivers will be exempt.
