By Murugi Ndwiga, Eastern Region
A wave of excitement is sweeping through Embu County following major reforms by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), aimed at revitalizing tourism and making national parks more accessible to all Kenyans.
During a lively public participation forum on the review of the conservation fee, held at the Kenya School of Government in Embu, residents and stakeholders expressed overwhelming support for proposed changes by KWS, including scrapping entry fees for children under five, senior citizens above 70, and persons living with disabilities.
“This is a game-changer,” said Jeremiah Nyaga Gicovi, an honorary warden in the Mount Kenya Conservation Area based in Kirinyaga. “KWS has made a move that truly includes everyone. Removing these fees will definitely boost local tourism and create a sense of ownership among Kenyans.”
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Nyaga also lauded the reviewed conservation fee structure, saying the additional revenue will now be used to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and to support wildlife relocation in cases of overcrowding or danger.
Local Stakeholders Applaud the Move
Rosemary Nyaga, a conservation stakeholder under Embu Nature, echoed the enthusiasm. “I’m thrilled. This move will encourage more families to visit parks, especially Mwea National Reserve.”
She called on KWS to follow through with its promises, including providing electric boats and improved infrastructure at Mwea. “Let’s not stop at good announcements. Implementation is key if we want to attract both local and international tourists.”
Rosemary also appealed to the county and national governments to work hand-in-hand in enhancing Mwea Reserve’s appeal. “It’s time for Embu residents to explore the beauty in their own backyard,” she urged.
Women in Tourism Back the Reforms
Lynn Ndinda, Chair of the Kenya Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT), Embu Chapter, praised KWS for finally implementing the long-awaited Conservation Fee reviews. “It’s a win for us. Women and girls in the tourism sector will benefit directly from improved infrastructure and increased tourist flow.”
Ndinda said that empowering both the young and elderly to explore Kenya’s natural heritage without financial burden creates a deeper appreciation of the country’s resources. “We finally see a future where tourism is inclusive and beneficial to all.”
KWS: First Review in 18 Years
Lucy Mwita, Senior Assistant Director of the Mountain Conservation Area, noted that the last comprehensive review of tourism fees was in 2007. “A lot has changed since then, economically, environmentally, and socially. This new fee structure helps us respond better to climate change, fund conservation education, and strengthen park infrastructure.”
Lucy emphasized that KWS has now categorized conservation areas to suit different needs, from premium and wilderness parks to special interest zones. “Every Kenyan has a space they can enjoy and relate to.”
She urged Kenyans to embrace local tourism: “You can’t appreciate what you haven’t seen. Go out, visit the parks, experience Kenya’s wild beauty firsthand.”
A National Agenda
The ongoing forums, being held countrywide, are anchored in key national frameworks including the Constitution of Kenya (2010), Vision 2030, MTP IV, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and Vision 2050. These reforms aim to promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable management of Kenya’s natural heritage.
With KWS putting conservation at the heart of national development, Embu County looks poised to become a key tourism destination, where every Kenyan, regardless of age or ability, has a front-row seat to the wonders of the wild.