MountKenyaPark.org, Kenya’s most trusted resource for conservation and visitor information, provides this detailed guide to the new Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) entry fees introduced under the 2025 Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations.
With the implementation of the new KWS Conservation Fee Regulations effective October 1, 2025, Mount Kenya National Park underwent its first major entry fee revision in nearly two decades, aligning park pricing with regional conservation standards and introducing standardized 24-hour access fees across all KWS-managed parks.
Entry fees for Kenyan and East African citizens increased from KES 400 to KES 800 (a 100% rise), while Kenya residents holding valid work permits saw rates move from KES 600 to KES 1,100 (an 83% increase). For non-resident international visitors, fees rose from USD 40 to USD 70, marking a 75% adjustment.
Despite these upward revisions, Mount Kenya remains one of Kenya’s most iconic and valuable national parks, offering visitors world-class trekking routes, alpine scenery, and the chance to summit Africa’s second-highest mountain at 5,199 meters.
Mount Kenya is classified under the “Wilderness A Parks” category in the new 2025 tariff — the same tier as Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and Aberdare National Parks — reflecting its ecological importance and extensive protected area coverage. The new fees were gazetted in late September 2025 and took effect on October 1, but enforcement was temporarily suspended on October 2, 2025, following a Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) petition. The case remains under judicial review, with a ruling expected on November 25, 2025.
1️⃣ Current Mount Kenya National Park Entry Fees (2025)
| Visitor Category | Adult (24 hrs) | Child (3–17 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Kenyan / EA Citizen | KES 800 | KES 400 |
| Kenya Resident / Work Permit Holder | KES 1,100 | KES 550 |
| African Passport Holder (Non-EAC) | USD 30 | USD 15 |
| Non-Resident (International) | USD 70 | USD 35 |
💡 Notes:
- Children under 5 years old enter free.
- Students on approved educational trips qualify for discounted rates with prior KWS approval and a formal institutional letter.
- Entry is valid for 24 hours from the time of arrival.
2️⃣ Comparison: Old vs New Mount Kenya Park Fees
| Category | Old Rate (2023/24) | New Rate (2025) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenyan / EA Citizen (Adult) | KES 400 | KES 800 | +100% |
| Kenya Resident (Adult) | KES 600 | KES 1,100 | +83% |
| Non-Resident (Adult) | USD 40 | USD 70 | +75% |
| Child (All Categories) | 50% of adult | 50% of adult | — |
These changes align Mount Kenya’s fees with those of other premium highland destinations in the region, such as Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro National Park (USD 70–100 per day), while ensuring local and regional affordability for East African trekkers.
3️⃣ Camping & Activity Fees (2025)
Mount Kenya offers a range of camping, climbing, and special activity permits under the 2025 KWS tariff. Charges apply per night and vary by location and activity type.
| Activity / Service | EA Citizens | Kenya Residents | African Citizens | Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Campsite | 200 / 150 | 300 / 200 | USD 10 / 8 | USD 20 / 15 |
| Special Campsite | 250 / 200 | 350 / 250 | USD 20 / 10 | USD 35 / 20 |
| Walking Safari (Guided) | 3,000 | 3,000 | USD 50 | USD 50 |
| Mountain Climbing (Permit) | 1,500 | 1,500 | USD 30 | USD 30 |
| Cycling | 300 | 300 | USD 10 | USD 10 |
| Helicopter Landing | — | — | USD 300 | USD 300 |
| Guided Trek (Up to 4 Hours) | 2,000 | 2,000 | USD 25 | USD 25 |
| Guided Trek (Over 4 Hours) | 4,000 | 4,000 | USD 40 | USD 40 |
💡 Expert Tip: Climbers attempting Point Lenana, Nelion, or Batian peaks must secure additional mountain climbing permits through KWS or accredited guiding companies.
4️⃣ Vehicle Entry Fees
| Vehicle Type | Rate (KES) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Private Vehicle (≤6 seats) | 600 | Per 24 hours |
| Tour Van (6–12 seats) | 1,500 | Standard safari van |
| Tour Bus (13–24 seats) | 3,000 | For small groups |
| Tour Bus (25–44 seats) | 4,500 | Medium groups |
| Over 45 seats | 5,000 | Schools or large expeditions |
5️⃣ How to Pay Mount Kenya Park Fees (KWSPay via eCitizen)
All park entry fees are paid digitally through KWSPay, the official KWS payment system on eCitizen. Cash payments are no longer accepted at park gates.
Steps to Pay:
- Visit Mount Kenya National Park – KWSPay Link
- Log in or create an eCitizen account.
- Enter visitor details, including entry date, number of visitors, and vehicle registration (if applicable).
- Add activities such as camping, climbing, or guided trekking.
- Pay using MPesa, Visa/MasterCard, or eCitizen Wallet.
- Download your receipt (with QR code) and present it at the park gate along with your national ID or passport.
💡 Expert Tip: If the KWSPay page fails to load, wait 2–3 minutes before refreshing. Do not attempt to pay outside eCitizen or through unofficial intermediaries.
6️⃣ Who Qualifies for Free or Discounted Entry
✔ Children under 5 years – Free entry.
✔ Registered tour guides – Must present a valid Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) license.
✔ Students on official school trips – Discounted educational rates with prior KWS authorization.
✔ KWS staff and government officials – Exempt when on duty with proper identification.
💡 Note: All visitors, including exempt groups, must be logged digitally via KWSPay for park access and security compliance.
7️⃣ Why the Fees Increased
The 2025 update is part of KWS’s effort to:
- Reflect true conservation and operational costs for maintaining Mount Kenya’s fragile alpine ecosystem.
- Support ranger patrols, trail maintenance, and climate resilience programs within the UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve.
- Modernize Kenya’s park pricing structure after nearly two decades of unchanged rates.
- Keep Kenya regionally competitive while balancing local affordability and international conservation funding.
Despite the rise, Mount Kenya remains cheaper than Kilimanjaro, offering comparable trekking experiences at a fraction of the cost.
8️⃣ Court Injunction & Refund Policy
- The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) filed a legal challenge to the new 2025 KWS tariff, citing insufficient public consultation.
- The High Court suspended enforcement on October 2, 2025, pending a final ruling on November 25, 2025.
- KWSPay still displays and processes the new rates, and KWS has instructed visitors to continue paying.
- If the court overturns the new fees, refunds will be available via customerservice@kws.go.ke, upon submission of a valid payment receipt.
9️⃣ Summary of 2025 Mount Kenya National Park Entry Fees
| Visitor Category | Adult Fee | Child Fee | Currency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenyan / EA Citizen | 800 | 400 | KES |
| Kenya Resident / Work Permit Holder | 1,100 | 550 | KES |
| African Passport Holder (Non-EAC) | 30 | 15 | USD |
| Non-Resident (International) | 70 | 35 | USD |
✅ Valid for 24 hours from time of entry.
✅ All payments via KWSPay (eCitizen).
✅ Children under 5 enter free.
✅ Refunds available if court overturns rates.
🌍 Final Word
The 2025 KWS Conservation Fee revision positions Mount Kenya National Park as a premier destination for both local and international adventurers — balancing accessibility with conservation needs. The new rates ensure that the park’s unique high-altitude flora, fauna, glaciers, and mountain trails receive the protection they require in a changing climate.
Whether you’re trekking to Point Lenana, exploring bamboo forests, or photographing giant lobelias, Mount Kenya remains one of Africa’s most affordable and breathtaking alpine experiences.