The Ministry of Tourism has announced free entry into all National Parks, Reserves, and sanctuaries managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
In a notice, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the free entry is to mark the United Nations World Tourism Day.
The UN World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27, and this year’s theme is ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,’ highlighting the role of tourism in driving positive change in communities, conservation, and economic growth.
“To honor 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,” read the notice in part.
CS Miano said the initiative aims to give Kenyans an opportunity to reconnect with the country’s 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 stated.
The Tourism CS called on Kenyans to take advantage of the opportunity to explore, learn, and celebrate the beauty of Kenya’s natural treasure.
“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,” she added.
The UN World Tourism Day has been marked across the world on September 27 each year since 1980.
In 2024, the Cabinet approved free entry to all national parks across Kenya on September 28, 2024, to celebrate the UN World Tourism Day.
Following the approval, KWS issued guidelines for Kenyans about the free entry to the national parks and reserves.
The service in a statement said Kenyans would access the facilities between 6 am and 6:30 pm and advised the public to carry relevant documentation, such as National Identification cards.
“Access to the national parks and reserves will be by vehicle. Access to the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Nairobi Safari walk, and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary will be by foot,” KWS directed.
“Special activities: free entry is only for game drives, and wildlife viewing in captive wildlife facilities, and is not applicable to some specific special activities, such as guided tours and events, camping, etc. These will attract applicable fees,” KWS said on September 27, 2024.
