By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has unveiled the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations, 2025, along with a detailed Regulatory Impact Statement.
The Ministry is now calling on Kenyans from all walks of life to participate in shaping the future of wildlife access and conservation by submitting their views and attending public consultations scheduled across the country.
The proposed regulations outline new fee structures for accessing Kenya’s national parks, reserves, marine parks, and sanctuaries.
These fees are intended to support conservation efforts, improve infrastructure, and ensure that Kenya’s natural heritage remains protected for generations to come.
The accompanying Regulatory Impact Statement provides a comprehensive analysis of how the new fees could affect tourism, conservation funding, and local communities.
It also explores potential economic and environmental outcomes, ensuring that the regulations are both practical and beneficial.
In line with the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Statutory Instruments Act, the Ministry is committed to transparency and public engagement.
Tourism stakeholders, conservationists, community leaders, and ordinary citizens are encouraged to review the documents and share their feedback.
Copies of the regulations and the impact statement are available online at www.tourism.go.ke and www.kws.go.ke, and can also be accessed at Kenya Wildlife Service offices nationwide.
To ensure inclusive dialogue, the Ministry has organized a series of public forums in 19 locations across Kenya from July 29 to August 8, 2025.
These forums will provide a platform for open discussion, allowing citizens to voice concerns, ask questions, and contribute to the final shape of the regulations.
With increasing pressure from climate change, poaching, and habitat loss, sustainable funding mechanisms are essential.
These regulations aim to strike a balance between accessibility for tourists and locals, and the financial needs of conservation programs.
Comments and suggestions can be submitted through the Ministry’s website or in person at the consultation forums.
The deadline for submissions is expected shortly after the final forum on August 8, 2025.