The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced the introduction of a new payment platform dubbed KWSPay after transitioning from the old eCitizen system.
In a statement on Saturday, November 1, the agency said the move aims to simplify how visitors and stakeholders make payments for park entry, conservation fees, and other KWS-related services.
"Kenya Wildlife Service acknowledges concerns raised by the tourism stakeholders and the public following the transition to a new and upgraded payment system.
"The transition from the old eCitizen platform to the upgraded new eCitizen payment system, branded as ‘KWSPay’, introduces a more seamless, enhanced, and flexible process for booking and making payments for Conservation Fees and other KWS services," the statement read.
KWS noted that the rollout of the system officially takes effect on November 1, 2025, from 6:00 p.m., and will offer multiple channels for making payments.
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"The new upgraded system includes multiple payment options, including Mpesa, Bank Cards, Bank transfers, and an eWallet option, all of which will be available from November 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., with the detailed user instructions provided on the KWS website and eCitizen portal," the statement added.
KWS further stated that all transactions will reflect exchange rate adjustments pegged to the official rates set by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
"All transactions will apply a monthly dollar ($) exchange rate in line with Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) rates, in addition to facilitation charges to cushion the service provider against inflation, currency fluctuations, and interbank charges. The dollar ($) exchange rate will be reviewed and communicated monthly on the KWS website and KWSPay portal," the statement further read.
In addition, KWS confirmed that each transaction will attract a nominal administrative fee as specified in a prior government publication.
"A nominal administrative fee per transaction will apply as outlined in the Gazette Notice No. 17422 dated December 22, 2023,” the statement said.
To sustain the system’s operations and ensure consistent service delivery, an additional gateway fee has been introduced.
This charge, approved by the Central Bank of Kenya, is intended to support maintenance and operational expenses associated with the platform’s management and security.
"An additional 5% gateway fee will be charged per transaction in line with the Central Bank of Kenya approval to support system maintenance and operation costs. All payments through bank cards attract additional charges depending on the card service provider, which range up to 3.5%," the statement added.
This comes a month after the High Court issued a conservatory order stopping the implementation of new park entry fees.
Justice John Chigiti issued the orders on Wednesday, October 1, following a petition filed by the Kenya Tourist Federation (KTF).
"Prayers 1, 2, and 3 of the Application dated 30.9.25 are allowed. Leave shall operate as a stay in line with prayer 4," Justice Chigiti directed.
The High Court judge also ordered that a substantive application be filed and served within 7 days.
KTF moved to the high court to challenge the implementation of the new park, citing industry concerns.
On September 29, KWS announced it had revised fees for entry into national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.
In a statement, KWS confirmed that the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access, Entry and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations 2025 governing entry and access into national parks were approved and accorded legal recognition by Parliament on Thursday, September 25.
In the revised regulations, KWS categorized national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries into premium parks, urban parks, wilderness parks, mountain parks, scenic parks, special interest parks, sanctuaries, and marine protected areas.
Access to premium parks, including Amboseli National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park, KWS increased the cost for East African citizens to Ksh1,500, non-residents $90, and African citizens $50.
Nairobi National Park will cost East African citizens KSh1,000, non-residents $80, and African citizens $40.
The Nairobi Package covering Nairobi Park, Nairobi Orphanage, and Nairobi Safari Walk is set at KSh1,300 for East African citizens, $105 for non-residents, and $55 for African citizens.
KWS also increased the entry fee for wilderness parks, including Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park to Ksh1000 for East African citizens, non-residents $80, and African citizens $40.
The service also announced that Water sports activities will require annual licensing fees ranging from Ksh60,000 to Ksh240,000, depending on business size, with independent water sports participants charged between Ksh500 daily to Ksh10,000 annually.
Motor vehicle charges per day range were also increased to Ksh 600 for vehicles with less than six seats and Ksh 3,000 for vehicles with 13-24 seats.
