Kenya’s park entry experience is set for a major shift as the Kenya Wildlife Service rolls out KWSPay, a new digital platform replacing the old eCitizen payment system.
The upgrade is designed to cut wait times, widen payment options and make it easier for visitors to access national parks, reserves and other conservation areas across the country.
The wildlife agency confirmed the change in a joint communication by KWS Director General Erustus Kanga and eCitizen Director General Isaac Ochieng.
They noted that while the transition drew concern from tourism players and the public, the new system is built to deliver a smoother and more user-friendly process.
"The transition from the old eCitizen platform to the upgraded new eCitizen payment system, branded as 'KWSPay', introduces a more seamless, enhanced and flexible process for booking and making payments for Conservation Fees and other KWS services," the joint statement reads in part.
The system officially went live at 6:00 pm on Saturday, November 1, 2025. To support users through the change, detailed guidance has been posted on both the KWS website and the eCitizen portal.
Under KWSPay, visitors have access to several payment methods, including M-Pesa, bank transfers, bank cards and an eWallet. The platform will apply a monthly US dollar exchange rate issued by the Central Bank of Kenya, ensuring that charges reflect current currency movements.
"The dollar exchange rate will be reviewed and communicated monthly on the KWS website and KWSpay portal," the statement reads.
KWS also clarified that each payment will attract a small administrative fee, in line with Gazette Notice No. 17422 of December 22, 2023.
A 5 per cent payment gateway fee will be charged per transaction with Central Bank approval, while those using bank cards may incur extra charges determined by card service providers, potentially up to 3.5 per cent.
The agency emphasised that the new platform will support reliable and transparent payment processes, making park visits more efficient for both Kenyan and international travellers. They added that the system reflects efforts to strengthen tourism services and conservation revenue collection.
The KWSPay system was first unveiled in June 2025. According to KWS, it greatly shortens the process for securing park entry tickets, moving from nearly ten minutes to only a few minutes.
“When you walk into Nairobi National Park right now, you realise that you don't need to log in to the eCitizen platform. We have developed the payment system, reducing the time required to log in from 10 to 12 minutes to a period of about two to three minutes. You can be able to also pay for your ticket from the comfort of your home,” said KWS director general Erastus Kanga.
KWS and eCitizen said the new system is expected to improve convenience and ensure secure, efficient and customer-focused service delivery across all parks, reserves and sanctuaries.
