Tourism stakeholders in Kisumu County have largely endorsed the proposed increase in park fees by the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), emphasizing the need for improved service delivery and infrastructure upgrades to ensure value for money.

• The fee hike is the first in 18 years, aimed at addressing a Sh12 billion annual funding shortfall.
• Rashid Hussein, a tour operator, stated the increment was overdue and called for prudent use of funds to boost conservation.
• Stakeholders, including Paul Ochieng, a boat rider at Ndere Island National Park, urged KWS to invest in infrastructure like jetties and better road networks leading to tourism sites.
• Ruben Ndimu, a KWS senior assistant director, assured that the fee review aims to ensure the survival of wildlife and proper conservation management.