By A, KNA
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has engaged the public through Public Participation for feedback on the intended upward review of National Park entrance fees under the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025 Draft.
According to KWS Senior Assistant Director, Joseph Dadacha, who is In-Charge of Southern Conservation area of Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Makueni and Machakos, KWS is gathering views across the 47 counties on the proposed Draft on the reviews of conservation fees, at the National Parks, Reserves and Sanctuaries.
He said the review of the proposed park fees has come about following inflation over the years, noting that the last review was done 18 years ago and the KWS needs to close a 12 billion annual funding gap that undermines conservation and wildlife economy.
The Assistant Director pointed out that KWS has mobilized stakeholders from the County, National governments, NGOs, tour operators, Conservationists and members of the public to gather their views all over the country.
“We want to engage the stakeholders and the public as a legal requirement so that input from the public can be used to inform the proposed conservation fees and to serve Kenyans better,” said Dadacha.
Dadacha, who was speaking during a Public Participation forum at Machakos University, said if the proposal goes through there, will be major development such as conservation activities, including restoration of habitats and ecosystems, mitigation of human-wildlife conflict, and enhanced anti-poaching and wildlife security operations.
The participants endorsed the revised conservation fees. Levi Mumo from Machakos, who works with Young African Action (YAA), however, said as they approve the proposed changes, the public will expect better services, transparency and memorable experiences from the KWS.
Davis Simiyu said that the increased park fees should also ensure instant compensation for victims of human-wildlife conflict that has been a major challenge in Machakos and noted that 18 years is long for the revision of fees and other changes.
End/Wildlife/Ngatia/Lang’at
Caption
KWS Senior Assistant Director-In-Charge of the Southern Conservation area in uniform, Joseph Dadacha, flanked by various Wildlife stakeholders from the National and County government and members of the public at the Machakos University during a public participation forum on proposed park entrance fee review. Photo by Anne Kangero.
