Govt Increases Museum Entry Fees, Including Fort Jesus, as New Charges Take Effect

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has announced an increase in entry fees for museums and heritage sites across the country, including the iconic Fort Jesus, with the new charges set to take effect from May 7, 2026.

In a notice dated Tuesday, April 7, 2026, issued under Legal Notice No. 79 of 2025, the institution said the updated charges fall under the National Museums and Heritage (Admissions Fees) Regulations, 2025, and will apply to both local, regional, and international tourists.

“Notice is hereby given to the general public that pursuant to Legal Notice No. 79 of 2025 National Museums and Heritage (Admissions Fees) Regulations, 2025, National Museums of Kenya will be implementing its revised heritage facilities admission fees with effect from 7th May, 2026 as per the table below,” read part of the notice.

New Museum Fees Charges for Nairobi Facilities

Under the revised rates, entry to the Nairobi National Museum will cost Kenyan and East African adult citizens Ksh 350 and Ksh 200 for children. Visitors from outside Africa will pay $18 for adults and $9 for children.

At the adjacent Snake Park, adult citizens will also pay Ksh 350, while children will pay Ksh 200. Foreign adult visitors will be charged $18.

A combined ticket for both facilities will cost Ksh 600 for adults and Ksh 300 for children among citizens, while non-African foreigners will pay up to $25.

Meanwhile, entry to the Nairobi Gallery will cost Ksh 300 for adults and Ksh 200 for children.

Also Read: KWS Issues New Directive on Free Entry to Parks and Reserves

Coastal and Historic Sites Affected

The revised fees also apply to major heritage attractions such as Fort Jesus and the Karen Blixen Museum, where Kenyan adults will pay Ksh 550 and children Ksh 300. Foreign visitors will pay up to $17.

A combined ticket for Fort Jesus Museum and the Butterfly House will cost Kenyan adults Ksh 650.

Other sites, including Gede Ruins, Mnarani Ruins, Thimlich Ohinga, and Koobi Fora, will charge Ksh 200 for adults and Ksh 100 for children for citizens.

In Lamu, visitors to Lamu Fort, the Lamu Museum, Swahili House, and the German Post Office will pay Ksh 200 individually, with a combined package priced at Ksh 750 for adults.

Also Read: KWS Proposes Free Entry to Parks for Select Kenyans

Select Sites Unaffected

NMK noted that fees for certain heritage sites will remain unchanged until further notice. These include Hyrax Hill and Rabai, depending on visitor categories.

Visiting Hours and Access

All NMK-managed sites will remain open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., including public holidays.

The agency encouraged visitors to access services and make payments through its official website (www.museums.or.ke) and the government’s eCitizen platform (https://nmkpay.ecitizen.go.ke/).

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Photo of Fort Jesus Heritage. PHOTO/National Museums of Keny