The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has increased game park entry fees to boost its conservation efforts and reduce its dependence on the government.
KWS, the custodian of Kenya game parks, has introduced charges that will see the fees increase to $80 (Sh7,520) from a minimum of $60 (Sh5,640) on premium parks with immediate effect.
The Forestry and Wildlife minister Noah Wekesa also reviewed the fees structure by eliminating low and high season fees and introduced a flat rate charge in a bid to boost revenues.
Foreign visitors used to pay $60 (Sh5,640) during the low season at the premium parks (Amboseli and Lake Nakuru) and $75 (Sh7,050) during the peak seasons, which runs from January to March and July to October.
Dr Wekesa said the review is aimed at boosting KWS coffers to allow it meet its conservation obligations, arguing that the efforts are becoming expensive, causing the state-owned firm to run a huge deficit.
The increment will, however, only affect five top KWS parks, out of the 52 it manages and Kenyans will continue paying Sh500 at premium parks and Sh300 in others.
