Lake Nakuru National Park main gate.The Kenya Wildlife Service has clarified its earlier communication on free entry to national parks, reserves and sanctuaries.
In a statement issued on Friday, the service announced that Lake Nakuru National Park will not be part of the free entry initiative on Saturday, September 27.
KWS said the complimentary access to the park, as had been anticipated following the Public Notice of September 23, has been cancelled.
The service did not give reasons for the cancellation.
"However, customers with prepaid eCitizen tickets are advised to access Lake Nakuru National Park through Nderit Gate from 6 am to 6 pm," KWS said in a public notice.
The service further indicated that the Lake Nakuru Main Gate at the flamingo area and the Lanet Gate will remain closed throughout the day.
KWS emphasised that the restriction applies solely to Lake Nakuru National Park.
All other KWS-managed national parks, reserves and sanctuaries across the country will remain open for free access by Kenyan citizens on the same day, in line with the ongoing initiative.
KWS urged visitors to strictly observe park rules and regulations during their visits to ensure safety and conservation standards are upheld.
The free entry initiative was announced to mark World Tourism Day.
This year's theme, "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation," reminds the world of the power of tourism to drive positive change for communities, conservation, and the economy.
“To honour this significant occasion, I am thrilled to announce that the Government of Kenya is offering free entry to all Kenyan citizens to visit Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)-managed national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries on Saturday, September 27th 2025,” Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano said on September 23.
With the exclusion of Lake Nakuru National Park, there are now 33 national parks, reserves and sanctuaries that will be open to the public free of charge on Saturday.
They include the Aberdare National Park in Nyeri and Nyandarua, Amboseli National Park in Kajiado, and Central Island National Park located in Lake Turkana.
Others are Chyulu Hills National Park in Kibwezi, Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha, and Kakamega Forest National Reserve in Kakamega.
Kenyans will also be able to enjoy beautiful sceneries of the Kisite Mpunguti National Park and Reserve in Shimoni, Kwale, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary in Kisumu, and Kiunga Marine National Reserve in Lamu.
Also accessible for free will be Kora National Park in Meru and Tana River, Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary in Elementaita and Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve in Malindi.
Others are Malkamari National Park in Mandera, Marsabit National Park in Marsabit, and Meru National Park in Meru and Tharaka Nithi.
