KWS Implements New Fees Amidst Lion Poisoning and Court Ruling on Conservancy Land - September 2025

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is set to implement new conservation fees for its national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries starting Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The revised fees were approved by Parliament on September 25, 2025, and aim to enhance conservation efforts. This development comes as six lions were found poisoned at the Oleisukut Conservancy in Maasai Mara, just days after KWS offered free park entry for World Tourism Day. KWS veterinary staff treated the pride, with four lions making a full recovery. Separately, the High Court has nullified the title deed for the 76,602-acre Kamuthe Wildlife Conservancy in Garissa. The court declared its establishment unconstitutional, irregular, and unlawful due to a lack of public participation and environmental approvals.