Kenyans Over 70 Years And PWDs To Access National Parks For Free In 2024

• Kenyans will be required to pay KSh 2,250 to access Nairobi National Park, up from the current KSh 430
• Senior citizens, people living with disability and children aged five years will however, be allowed to access the parks and sanctuaries at no cost
• The Constitution of Kenya 2010 provides that old people in the society shall receive special care to protect their dignity

Kenyans have expressed displeasure over plans by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to increase park entry fees beginning 2024.

National parks in Kenya

The new park entry fees will force Kenyans to dig deeper into their pockets but on the other hand, the changes are set to benefit senior citizens and People Living with Disability (PWDs).

The new charges that would see Kenyans dig deeper into their pockets are set to be implemented from January 2024 to 2025.

According to KWS, Kenyans aged over 70 years old and PWDs as recognised in the Constitution of Kenya 2010 will not be required to pay any money to access the national parks across the country.

"Senior citizens, aged 70 years and above, and Kenyan with Disabilities (as defined by the Persons Living with Disability Act) will have free access to all parks," read the circular by Kenya Wildlife Service.

According to KWS, the changes were arrived at following a public participation exercise conducted earlier in the year.

What is National park entry fee?

Citing the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013, the KWS stated that it conducted a nationwide public participation forums between January 30th January to the 23rd of February 2023.

The objective was to revise conservation fees for national parks and reserves.

Other changes include introduction of rebated fee for the rest of Africa, East African Community residents to benefit from lower rates, age consideration for children revised from three to 17 to five to 17 and children under five years to be granted free entry.

What are privileges of elderly in Kenya?

Under Article 57 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the state is expected to take measures to ensure older people participate in key national decision making process and have their dignity protected.

According to Article 57, the State shall take measures to ensure the rights of older persons:

"(a) to fully participate in the affairs of society; (b) to pursue their personal development; (c) to live in dignity and respect and be free from abuse; and (d) to receive reasonable care and assistance from their family and the state."

KWS explained that revenue generated through tourism supports conservation, security, and market research, bolsters the education and livelihood of local communities, besides enhancing infrastructure and circuit roads in the parks.

Fee schedule presented for public participation indicated that Kenyans will pay KSh 2,250 to gain entry to Nairobi National Park, up from the current KSh 430 price.