To mark the United Nations World Tourism Day 2024, Kenya will open the gates of all its national parks with free admission on 28 September.
The decision, taken in celebration of National Tourism Week, which runs from 22 to 29 September, aims to promote local tourism and encourage Kenyans and residents to explore the country's rich natural heritage.
The decision was approved on Tuesday during President William Ruto's cabinet meeting, reinforcing the government's commitment to promote national tourism and preserve the environment.
The free access will allow thousands of Kenyans, including families and students, to experience the wildlife and breathtaking landscapes that have made Kenya a global conservation destination.

Making Kenya's natural heritage known to all

The free entry day on 28 September offers a unique opportunity for Kenyans to visit iconic national parks, such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo and Nairobi National Park, among others, without the usual entry fees.
September is considered a peak season by the Kenya Wildlife Service and fees normally range from Sh200 to Sh1000 for Kenyans and $20 to $100 for international tourists, depending on the park and the age of the tourists.
This is expected to increase traffic in these popular parks, giving Kenyans from all walks of life a chance to reconnect with nature and learn about conservation efforts, especially if they take advantage of the day to do some education and not just think about providing an opportunity for hoarding and incivility.

In addition to free access to parks, several parks across the country will host special events during the week to celebrate National Tourism Week. Kenya is also conducting the National Wildlife Census 2024-2025, the second such activity in the country's history. The census will document Kenya's wildlife population and assess the health of critical ecosystems. This data is critical for setting conservation policies, identifying species at risk and addressing the challenges of habitat degradation.