NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced that there will be no free entry for members of the public wishing to access Lake National Parks.
Ahead of the World Tourism Day 2025 to be celebrated tomorrow, Saturday, September 27, 2025, KWS said that Kenyans will once again enjoy free entry into all its managed national parks, reserves and sanctuaries.
Lake Nakuru National Park is located in Nakuru County. Photo|courtesy.
However, in a Public Notice issued on the eve of the celebrations, KWS maintained that this will not be the case for individuals wishing to visit Lake Nakuru National Park in Nakuru County.
“The public is hereby notified that there shall be no free entry to Lake Nakuru National Park, tomorrow Saturday, September 27, 2025,” KWS through its corporate communications announced without giving reasons behind the move.
Republic of Kenya⁰Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife
World Tourism Day Visitor Pledge
As I enter this park, I do so with respect, gratitude, and a commitment to protect Kenya’s natural heritage.
✅️I pledge to treat every animal and habitat with dignity, knowing they are part… pic.twitter.com/L8O0yQojcl
However, KWS reiterated that customers with prepaid eCitizen tickets are advised to access Lake Nakuru National Park through Nderit Gate from 6am to 6pm tomorrow Saturday, September 27, 2025.
“The public is further advised that all other KWS managed National Parks, Reserves and Sanctuaries across the country shall remain open and accessible tomorrow Saturday, September 27, 2025, under the free entry initiative for Kenyan citizens,” the statement further reads.
What the public should observe during the visit to the parks
KWS has also urged the public to observe Park Rules and Regulations during their visits.
Tomorrow, Saturday, 27th Sept 2025, entry to all national parks is free. The family of Brian Odhiambo, missing after arrest by @KWSKenya at Lake Nakuru National Park, is calling on Kenyans to join the search. pic.twitter.com/jOPoHitsVG
This year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” highlights the vital role of tourism in driving economic growth, supporting conservation efforts and creating positive change for communities.
“This initiative is an opportunity for every Kenyan to reconnect with our breathtaking wildlife heritage, deepen our collective commitment to conservation and experience the unparalleled beauty of our natural treasures,” CS Miano said.
Why the government waived the park entry fees
By waiving park entry fees, the government hopes to inspire greater appreciation of Kenya’s biodiversity and reinforce the shared responsibility of protecting it for future generations.
Kenyans are encouraged to take advantage of the free entry to explore parks, reserves and sanctuaries and celebrate the wonders that are not only a source of national pride but also a key contributor to the global heritage and tourism economy.
UPDATE ON FREE ENTRY TO NATIONAL PARKS, RESERVES AND SANCTUARIES ON SATURDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2025 pic.twitter.com/GkyRsifOEp
For guidelines on free entry, visitors can check the official KWS website (www.kws.go.ke), follow KWS social media platforms, call the toll-free number 0800597000 or use the KWS WhatsApp customer line at 0726610509.
This is the second consecutive year that the government is offering free entry during World Tourism Day, further reinforcing its commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation.
Dennis Lubanga is a seasoned journalist with over 15 years experience. He has a rich and extensive focus on politics, climate change, environment, and food security. He has previously held positions at Y News Digial (Editorial Lead), TUKO.co.ke (Current Affairs Editor) and Nation Media Group (News Correspondent). He is affiliated with respected journalism programs such as The Nature Conservancy African Journalism Programme, Thomson Reuters Foundation, and African Uncensored Investigative Journalism Programme. His work has been honored in the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) among other platforms.
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