Public invited to validation forum on new wildlife conservation fees regulations

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has drafted new regulations setting out fees for access and conservation in Kenya’s national parks, reserves, marine parks, and sanctuaries.

In a gazette notice, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano, said the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations, 2025 have already undergone public participation and are now ready for validation.

“The draft regulations provide for fees payable for access and conservation of national parks, national reserves, national marine parks, national marine reserves, and national sanctuaries,” the ministry stated.

According to the notice, the process has complied with the Constitution, the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, and the Statutory Instruments Act.

A regulatory impact statement was earlier published through Kenya Gazette Notice No. 9267 of July 9, 2025, and advertised on several platforms, including MyGov.

“Tourism and wildlife stakeholders, members of the public, and all interested parties submitted their comments, views, and input, which have been considered,” said Miano.

CS Miano has now invited Kenyans to a stakeholder validation forum scheduled for September 11, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Amphitheatre), starting at 9:00 a.m.

“Stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to attend and give their final input before official publication in the Kenya Gazette,” the notice reads.

The proposed regulations and the regulatory impact statement can be accessed free of charge on the Ministry of Tourism website (www.tourism.go.ke), the Kenya Wildlife Service portal (www.kws.go.ke), and at KWS-managed national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.

Written submissions will be accepted at the Ministry during official working hours or via email, within seven days from the date of the notice.