Nairobi — The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) has pushed back against recent changes introduced by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to its park-entry payment portal, terming the new system “unacceptable” and financially punitive to industry players.
KTF Chairman Fred Odek, in a statement, said the upgraded system, rolled out despite an existing court order, restricts payment options and imposes a hidden 5 percent “gateway fee” only revealed at the point of payment.
He described the move as “discriminatory and unlawful,” warning that it could erode Kenya’s competitiveness as a top safari destination.
“We are not against the changes, but we cannot do things in this manner. Kenya is a country governed by the rule of law. There was no public participation,” said Odek.
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The federation argues that the 5 percent gateway charge, added on top of park-entry fees, has no legal backing and will significantly raise operating costs for tour operators, many of whom make large daily payments to KWS.
The new system currently allows only Mpesa and Visa card payments, a restriction KTF says complicates transactions during peak tourist seasons when card limits are quickly reached.
“These gateway fees are both inequitable and discriminatory as they charge different operators higher fees for the same service – purchase of park entry fees,” the federation noted.
“Industry practice has always been to give discounts to higher volumes and not the other way round.”
KTF estimates that the sector stands to lose more than Sh370 million annually in extra payments extracted through these unbudgeted gateway fees, based on projected 2024 park-revenue figures of Sh7.41 billion.
“These new charges risk making the Kenyan safari more expensive. Kenya is getting a bad reputation as an uncredible tour destination. And what we have is not unique to Kenya; Africa offers a lot of alternatives,” Odek warned.
The federation also faulted KWS for implementing the system while a court order issued on October 1, 2025, had barred the application of new park-fee rates.
It argues that KWS should have reverted to the previous eCitizen platform pending the court’s determination.
The controversy comes on the heels of a broader government review of park-entry fees under the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations, 2025, approved by Parliament in September.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife’s Regulatory Impact Statement, the reforms are expected to raise KWS park-fee revenues from Sh7.41 billion in 2024 to Sh16.58 billion by 2028, as the government seeks to bolster conservation financing.
Under the changes, Nairobi National Park entry charges for residents were set to rise from Sh430 to Sh1,000, while foreigners would pay Sh10,360, up from Sh5,570.
Premium parks such as Amboseli and Lake Nakuru were to charge Sh1,500 for locals and Sh11,660 for foreigners.
Mid-tier parks like Meru and Aberdare would cost Sh800 for locals and Sh9,070 for foreigners, while Hell’s Gate fees would be Sh500.
While the Ministry defends the new pricing as necessary for sustainability, industry players argue that hidden transaction costs and restrictive payment options undermine transparency and collaboration.
KTF is now calling for the immediate suspension of the 5 percent gateway fee, restoration of the former eCitizen payment portal, and strict adherence to the existing court order.
