The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), which represents private sector associations in Kenya’s tourism industry, is concerned that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has introduced a new park fee payment platform without prior consultation with key industry stakeholders.
KTF says the changes have introduced new financial and operational challenges for tour operators, travel agents, and park visitors.
Under the new system, only M-PESA and Visa card payments are accepted, with the bank transfer option withdrawn. This has complicated group and large transaction payments that previously relied on bank transfers.
Additionally, an 8.5% processing fee has been introduced for all card payments- a rate that is unusually high compared to other government platforms.
KTF Chairperson Fred Odek says the new changes have disrupted normal business operations and risk undermining Kenya’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination.
“The rollout of the new KWS park payment system has created unnecessary financial strain and uncertainty for operators who had already priced and contracted tours under the previous arrangements. The additional fees and limited payment options translate to unbudgeted losses and threaten existing contracts with our international partners,” said Odek.
KTF is concerned over the exchange rate applied by KWS, at Ksh 135 per USD, significantly higher than the Central Bank of Kenya’s prevailing rate of Ksh 129.50. KTF says the discrepancy has inflated park entry costs for both domestic and international visitors.
The Federation is calling on the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the Kenya Wildlife Service to:
- Reinstate all previous payment options, including bank transfers, to support flexible and efficient transactions.
- Review and reduce the 8.5% card processing fee to align with industry standards.
- Adjust the USD–KSH exchange rate to match the official Central Bank of Kenya rate.
- Commit to structured consultations with the tourism private sector before implementing future policy or system changes.
And charge the correct amounts. KWS are directly flouting the court order stopping the implementing of the new fees.
There is no valid excuse. They changed the system upwards in 24 hours, they can change it back just as quickly. And to then implement a new system using the new fees means they are choosing to break the law.