Each week, Tourism Update highlights a reader comment that has sparked conversation in the industry.
This response by Richard Trillo, East Africa Manager at Expert Africa, was posted on our story Kenya: Increased entry fees come into effect:
“I am dismayed at KWS’s lack of regard for the tourism industry that pays these fees. Contrary to the statement about this being the ‘first review of fees in 18 years’, KWS has been hiking fees, fighting legal challenges and generally leaving stakeholders in limbo for the last two decades. This is the third time since 2022 that new fees have been announced at short notice.
“On the last two occasions, in 2022 and 2023, the increases (some with seasonal variations) were put on the backburner, having caused a lot of work for all concerned, and the fees at the gates have been at 2022 levels for the last three years.
“Nobody questions the need to increase fees in line with inflation. What is not acceptable is doing so at a week’s notice (the legal notice from the Government Printer is dated September 22, 2025). Many visitors book their trips many months and often more than a year ahead. Increases announced with a suitable lead time of several months would be far less disruptive.
“This disregard for park visitors, and the safari operators who organise their trips, is reckless and inconsiderate. We expect and demand better.”
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