Kenya’s travel and tourism industry is once again in the spotlight, and this time not for record arrivals or new attractions, but for a storm brewing around new “gateway charges” introduced by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The charges, ranging between five and eight per cent on all payments made through the new online park entry system, have ignited protests from tour operators, travel agents, and hoteliers who say the move will make Kenya’s already expensive wildlife experience even costlier.
At a press conference in Nairobi this week, the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) and allied associations including the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), called on KWS to suspend the new charges, citing lack of consultation and transparency. They argue that while digitising park payments is a step in the right direction, quietly adding extra costs to transactions risks driving tourists away at a time when regional competition is stronger than ever.
The new system limits payments to M-Pesa and Visa and automatically applies a service fee to each transaction. KWS says the intention is to streamline payments and curb revenue leakages. But many in the sector view it as an extra burden added to a struggling industry still recovering from the pandemic and global economic disruptions.
Beyond the Fees: A Bigger Question
Behind the frustration lies a deeper issue—how resilient and innovative is Kenya’s tourism product? If a single policy change can shake confidence across the sector, it may be time to rethink what the country is selling, how it is packaged, and who it targets.
For decades, Kenya’s tourism identity has rested on the twin pillars of wildlife and the coast. It remains a powerful combination, but an increasingly narrow one. The modern traveller, exposed to a world of options, seeks more than game drives and beaches. They want immersive culture, wellness experiences, local cuisine, sustainability, and authentic encounters that connect them to the people and stories behind a destination.
Turning Pressure into Opportunity
If higher costs are inevitable, the industry must find ways to offer higher value. That means enhancing the quality of experiences within parks, improving storytelling around conservation, and adding layers of authenticity to the visitor journey. Kenya has the potential to lead in eco-tourism, Agri-tourism, heritage tourism, and community-based travel, but this will require investment, creativity, and collaboration.
Beyond the parks, the country must promote its lesser-known gems—mountain trails, birding routes, historical towns, festivals, and wellness retreats. A more diversified product spreads tourism benefits across counties while reducing dependence on a few flagship destinations.
Collaboration Is Key
To make this shift, trust between government and industry is vital. Policy decisions, including pricing or system changes, must be made through open consultation. A transparent, predictable environment gives confidence to investors and travel partners, while abrupt adjustments risk eroding long-term goodwill.
The controversy over gateway fees has exposed how delicate the balance within the tourism ecosystem can be. Yet it also presents a chance to modernise—not just payments and systems, but the very identity of Kenyan tourism.
A Call to Redefine Kenya’s Story
Kenya remains one of the world’s most beloved destinations. But to stay competitive, the country must sell more than park entry and accommodation. It must sell meaning, depth, and discovery. The focus should shift from cost to value, from transactions to experiences.
If handled wisely, this moment could become a turning point—one where Kenya redefines its tourism story for a new generation of travellers and proves that even amid rising costs, value and vision can keep the country’s tourism heartbeat strong.
