Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has suspended the increase of park entry fees for Kenyans that were to take effect from July this year.
Through a public notice, Brigadier (retired) John Waweru KWS Director-General said, “This is to inform you that the Kenya Wildlife Service in consultations with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has suspended the implementation of the new fees until further notice due to the prevailing circumstances occasioned by the COVID-19.”
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Waweru said the increase was based on the Legal Gazette Notice No. 198 dated October 18, 2019, signed by the Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala.
According to the charges, current fees from foreigners would remain the same. KSh7,412 in Nakuru and KSh6,365 in Meru Park, Aberdare, Mt Kenya, Tsavo.
However, for locals, the fees had increased for parks in Nakuru and Amboseli parks by 50 percent from KSh1,000 to KSh1,500 and Ksh 800 during off-peak seasons.
Nairobi Park increased 300 percent from KSh500 to Ksh1,500 for peak seasons.
KWS adopted the use of technology by ensuring payment at points of park entry was done cashless on January 27, 2017.
Among the payment methods introduced include Safaricom Mpesa, Visa and Master Card point of sale machines and direct deposit to KWS accounts in either Kenya Shillings or US dollars.
