The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has introduced seasonal park entry fees, which will take effect on July 1, 2022.

KWS has introduced high and low seasons in their new seasonal park entry fees, unlike the usual uniform charges.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala Gazetted the new rates.

Najib Balala. PHOTO/COURTESY

The move is meant to bridge seasonality and encourage visitation to all parks throughout the year.

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According to the KWS calendar, the low season covers the period March 1, to June 30, while the high season covers July 1, to February 28.

Fluctuations created by the highly seasonal visitations by both residents and non-residents of KWS parks have caused operational and financial constraints to KWS and communities living around parks which depend mainly on tourism.

KWS projects that by introducing a seasonal tariff structure, tour operators and other visitors will take advantage of the appealing discounts to visit the parks. The new arrangement is expected to make all parks in Kenya attractive destinations throughout the year.

According to KWS, the park fees are used for the conservation and protection of wildlife, specifically the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict by the erection of fences, ecosystem restoration and infrastructure maintenance.

The money is also used to support local communities through the provision of water, construction of health facilities, development of learning institutions, undertaking education and outreach programs.

Through that, KWS ensures wildlife in Kenya and its habitats are conserved for posterity while improving community livelihoods.