By E, KNA
Uasin Gishu County residents have welcomed the proposed Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations, 2025.
The members of public expressed their support during a sensitization forum conducted by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife on the proposed new park access fee, held at the County Hall, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
Led by the representative of the Civil Societies Network Organization Philip Barno, the residents drawn from across all the sub counties in Uasin Gishu supported the new regulations, noting they will help in enhancing the capacity of the Kenya Wildlife Service to promote resilient ecosystems with rich biodiversity, and help in the conservation and management of the endangered species like the Sitatunga antelopes and grey crown cranes, whose population is dwindling at an alarming rate.
On his part, Stanley Kibet suggested a review on the park entry charges to allow free entry for children of five years and below 18 years.
Benefits of the regulations on conservation fees will avail the necessary sustainable financial resources to enable KWS achieve its mandate in terms of supporting the growth of wildlife population, promote coexistence between people and wildlife, enhance resilient ecosystems with rich biodiversity, strengthen community and stakeholder participation among others.
The proposed adjustment in conservation fees will support wildlife conservation in Kenya, which will in turn create a multiplier effect in various sectors of the economy including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, trade and others.
Senior Assistant Director In-Charge of Central Rift Regional Gedion Kebati said participants emphasized the urgent need to restore wildlife populations, citing the sitatunga and its swamp habitat as a priority for local conservation.
They also urged the government to promote Uasin Gishu as a safari destination, taking advantage of Eldoret’s international airport to attract both local and foreign tourists.
“We are engaging the public to build consensus on a new fee structure that supports conservation goals without burdening communities. The last review was nearly two decades ago, and much has changed since then ecologically and economically,” Kebati said.
The forum, facilitated by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), was part of a nationwide consultation to review park and reserve entry fees, which have remained unchanged since 2007.
The review is being driven by shifting economic conditions, evolving conservation demands, increasing human-wildlife conflict, and deteriorating ecosystems.
The Senior Assistant Director said the exercise is meant to align conservation fees with present-day realities, while ensuring that the interests of local communities are reflected in the final framework.
He assured the participants that their recommendations will be consolidated with feedback from other counties, before the final proposal is submitted for implementation.
Members of the public are being urged to submit their comments online via rates@kws.go.ke for consideration.