Tourism Sector Sounds Alarm Over KWS Park Fee System, Warns of Ksh370 Million Annual Loss

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By irene 




 The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) has raised the alarm over a new Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) park ticketing system, warning that the changes could cost the tourism industry an estimated Ksh370 million annually in hidden transaction fees.

According to KTF, the new system—rolled out without stakeholder consultation—has disrupted park entry payments, inflated costs, and violated an existing court order suspending new park fee rates.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, KTF Chairman Fred Odek said the sector, already grappling with global economic pressures and stiff regional competition, could suffer further losses if the system is not reviewed urgently.

> “The rollout of the new system was premature and non-compliant with a valid court order. Beyond the legal issue, the platform has introduced serious financial and operational challenges for tour operators and travel agents,” said Mr. Odek.



Under the new payment platform, KWS has restricted transactions to M-PESA and Visa cards, eliminating the bank transfer option that was commonly used for bulk and group payments. The new system also includes a 5 percent ‘gateway fee’—a charge that, according to KTF, only becomes apparent at the point of payment and was not disclosed in advance.

The Federation estimates that the tourism industry could lose at least Ksh370 million each year due to this additional cost, based on projected park fee revenues outlined in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife’s Regulatory Impact Statement.

KTF is now calling on KWS and the Ministry to:

Reinstate the previous eCitizen-based payment system that supported multiple payment options.

Suspend the 5 percent gateway fee pending consultations with stakeholders.

Adhere to existing court orders to ensure transparency and compliance with the law.


Mr. Odek emphasized that while the federation supports digital innovation, it must be implemented fairly and in consultation with affected stakeholders.

> “Digital progress should not translate into economic hardship for legitimate businesses. We remain open to collaboration with KWS and the Ministry, but urgent corrective action is needed,” he said.



The tourism industry, a key foreign exchange earner for Kenya, continues to recover from recent global shocks. Stakeholders warn that poorly executed digital reforms could undermine Kenya’s reputation as a leading safari destination.

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