High Court deals major blow to KWS, freeze new ‘punitive’ parks entry fees
KWS was banking on the now opposed higher charges to bridge a Sh2billion annual budget deficit.
The High Court has dealt a major blow to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) under the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife headed by Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano after issuing conservatory orders stopping the implementation of new park entry fees which industry players term as punitive.
In their petition, tourism industry stakeholders through the Kenya Tourist Federation (KTF) that if the new fees announced on September 29, 2025 are enforced as planned starting on October 1, 2025, the move would affect Kenya’s global position as a safari destination.
KWS was banking on the now opposed higher charges to bridge a Sh2billion annual budget deficit.
In his ruling, Justice John Chigiti issued the orders on Wednesday this week, October 1, 2025 following a petition filed by KTF.
“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.
KTF moved to the high court to challenge the implementation of the new park, citing industry concerns on the revised fees for entry into national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.
In the revised regulations, KWS categorised 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 Sh1,500, non-residents $90, and African citizens $50.
Nairobi National Park will cost East African citizens Sh1,000, non-residents $80, and African citizens $40.
The Nairobi package covering Nairobi Park, Nairobi Orphanage, and Nairobi Safari Walk is set at Sh1,300 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 Sh60,000 to Sh240,000, depending on business size, with independent water sports participants charged between Sh500 daily to Sh10,000 annually.
Motor vehicle charges per day range were also increased to Sh600 for vehicles with less than six seats and Sh3,000 for vehicles with 13-24 seats.
The case will now be mentioned on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, for compliance.
