The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has suffered a blow after the high court issued a conservatory order stopping the implementation of new park entry fees.
Justice John Chigiti issued the orders on Wednesday, October 1, following a petition filed by the Kenya Tourist Federation (KTF).
KTF argued that the Kenya Wildlife Service’s (KWS) decision to implement the revised rates with just a 48-hour notice would disrupt bookings and expose tourism operators to cancellations, disputes, and reputational damage.
While KTF supports the revised fees, which were discussed during public consultations alongside the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) and the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, the federation’s concern lies with the abrupt implementation timeline.
“Prayers 1, 2, and 3 of the Application dated 30.9.25 are allowed. Leave shall operate as a stay in line with prayer 4,” Justice Chigiti directed.
The high court judge also ordered that a substantive application be filed and served within 7 days.
The respondents will, on the other hand, file and serve their submissions within 7 days of the date of service by the respondent.
KTF moved to the high court to challenge the implementation of the new park, citing industry concerns. The case will now be mentioned on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, for compliance.
On September 29, KWS announced it has revised fees for entry into national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.
In a statement, KWS confirmed that the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access, Entry and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations 2025 governing entry and access into national parks were approved and accorded legal recognition by Parliament on Thursday, September 25.
In the revised regulations, KWS categorized national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries into premium parks, urban parks, wilderness parks, mountain parks, scenic parks, special interest parks, sanctuaries, and marine protected areas.
Access to premium parks, including Amboseli National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park, KWS increased the cost for East African citizens to Ksh1,500, non-residents $90, and African citizens $50.
Nairobi National Park will cost East African citizens KSh1,000, non-residents $80, and African citizens $40.
The Nairobi Package covering Nairobi Park, Nairobi Orphanage, and Nairobi Safari Walk is set at Ksh1,300 for East African citizens, $105 for non-residents, and $55 for African citizens.
KWS also increased the entry fee for wilderness parks, including Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park to Ksh1000 for East African citizens, non-residents $80, and African citizens $40.
The service also announced that Water sports activities will require annual licensing fees ranging from Ksh60,000 to Ksh240,000, depending on business size, with independent water sports participants charged between Ksh500 daily to Ksh10,000 annually.
Motor vehicle charges per day range were also increased to Ksh 600 for vehicles with less than six seats and Ksh 3,000 for vehicles with 13-24 seats.
