Kenya’s New Park Payment System Sparks Industry Alarm Over Fees and Limited Options

The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), representing the backbone of Kenya’s private tourism sector, has sounded a strong warning about the recent overhaul of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) park fee payment platform. The Federation’s leadership has voiced deep concern that the abrupt rollout—implemented without prior engagement with key industry players—has triggered a wave of operational and financial challenges for tour operators, booking agencies, and park visitors alike.

According to KTF Chairman Fred Odek, the new payment system has upended established business practices, threatening to erode Kenya’s hard-won reputation as a leading 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,” Odek explained, highlighting the far-reaching implications for the sector’s stability and competitiveness.

Under the revised system, only M-PESA and Visa card payments are accepted, with the previously available bank transfer option now withdrawn. This shift has complicated the process for handling group bookings and large transactions, which traditionally relied on bank transfers for efficiency and transparency. The new limitations have left many operators scrambling to adapt, particularly those managing high-volume or international clientele who may not have ready access to the accepted payment methods.

Adding to the industry’s frustration is the introduction of an 8.5 percent processing fee on all card payments—a rate that stands out as unusually high compared to other government-run platforms. This surcharge, when combined with the restricted payment channels, has led to a spike in transaction costs, squeezing already tight margins for operators and potentially deterring both domestic and international visitors from booking Kenyan wildlife experiences.

Another major point of contention is the exchange rate applied by KWS. The current rate of KSH 135 per USD is significantly above the Central Bank of Kenya’s prevailing rate of approximately KSH 129.50. This discrepancy has inflated the cost of park entry for all visitors, further undermining Kenya’s price competitiveness in a region where travelers are increasingly sensitive to value and transparency.

The KTF’s concerns are not limited to financial matters. The Federation has also criticized the lack of stakeholder consultation prior to the system’s launch, arguing that such unilateral decisions risk alienating the very partners who drive Kenya’s tourism engine. The absence of dialogue has left many in the industry feeling sidelined and unprepared for the operational upheaval that followed the platform’s introduction.

In response, the KTF is urging the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the Kenya Wildlife Service to act swiftly. Their primary demand is the immediate reinstatement of all previous payment options, including bank transfers, to restore flexibility and efficiency to the transaction process. The Federation maintains that a more inclusive and consultative approach is essential to safeguarding the sector’s long-term sustainability and ensuring that Kenya remains a destination of choice for both leisure and business travelers.

Odek reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to constructive engagement, stating, “KTF remains committed to working closely with KWS and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to ensure that Kenya’s tourism industry remains sustainable, fair, and competitive.” This spirit of partnership, he emphasized, is critical not only for resolving the current crisis but also for building a more resilient and adaptive tourism sector capable of weathering future disruptions.

The controversy surrounding the new payment system comes at a time when Kenya’s tourism industry is striving to recover from recent global shocks and position itself for renewed growth. The sector’s ability to attract international visitors, secure long-term contracts, and maintain its status as a premier wildlife destination depends heavily on the ease and transparency of its business environment. Any barriers—whether in the form of high fees, limited payment options, or unfavorable exchange rates—risk undermining the progress made in recent years and could prompt operators and travelers to look elsewhere.

For Africa’s travel professionals, the situation in Kenya offers a timely reminder of the importance of stakeholder engagement, transparent pricing, and operational flexibility in sustaining tourism growth. As regional competition intensifies and travelers become more discerning, the ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and regulatory requirements will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.

Looking ahead, the outcome of the KTF’s advocacy efforts will be closely watched by industry players across the continent. The Federation’s push for a more inclusive and responsive regulatory framework reflects broader trends in African tourism, where collaboration between the public and private sectors is increasingly seen as the key to unlocking new opportunities and driving sustainable development.

As Kenya navigates this period of transition, the lessons learned will resonate far beyond its borders, offering valuable insights for other African destinations seeking to balance innovation with the practical needs of the marketplace. The call for urgent action is clear: only by working together can the industry ensure that Africa’s iconic wildlife experiences remain accessible, affordable, and attractive to the world.