In a move seen to boost domestic tourism, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism & Wildlife, Hon. Najib Balala, has reduced entry fees to all game parks and reserves.
The reduction in entry fees shall affect all categories of tourists from the locals, residents and internationals effective July 1, 2020 for one year.
Additionally, KWS has given a one-year moratorium to lodge owners in its parks and reserves, for rent payment starting July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.
The drastic reduction in fees can be attributed to the current economic crisis arising from the COVID 19 pandemic. Hon. Balala called on owners of the lodges to use savings from the moratorium to improve on visitors’ experience and grow their businesses as well as promote KWS parks as preferred destinations for safari tourism.
He also called on Kenyans to take advantage of the affordable park entry fees to sample the beauty of Kenya’s flora and fauna.
The CS further announced a 50% discount on filming fees for both local and
international producers filming in parks and reserves and once again asked them to utilize this window to grow their businesses as well as market Kenya.