The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and eCitizen Services have responded to the grievances raised by the tourism stakeholders and members of the public regarding the transition to a new and modernized digital payment platform called KWSPay.

KWS Director General Erustus Kanga and eCitizen Services Director General Isaac Ochieng issued a joint statement assuring users that the new eCitizen system aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and flexibility in paying conservation fees and other KWS services.

They said the transition is part of efforts to make park payments easier and more reliable.

The two agencies released the statement in response to concerns raised by tour operators and park visitors following the rollout of the new system.

The change also comes alongside revised park entry charges, which will take effect on October 1, 2025.

Multiple Payment Options Introduced

According to the statement, the updated KWSPay system offers multiple pay options such as M-Pesa, bank cards, bank transfers, and an eWallet, with the new features becoming active from November 1 at 6:00 p.m.

A nominal administrative fee per transaction will continue to apply as outlined in Gazette Notice no.17422 of December 22, 2023.

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

Service Fee Explained

Additionally, a 5% getaway fee has been approved by the CBK to support system maintenance and other operational costs, while card payments may attract additional provider charges of up to 3.5%.

Since the upgraded system process will be different, detailed user instructions are given on the KWS site as well as the eCitizen portal to direct the users through the updated process.

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

The statement further reaffirmed that all funds collected through KWSPay will directly support wildlife conservation, park maintenance, and community development programmes surrounding protected areas.

“KWS and eCitizen remain committed to providing efficient, transparent customer-friendly services that improve access to Kenya’s National Reserves, parks, and sanctuaries under KWS management,” part of the statement read.

The two institutions welcome continuous feedback on the new upgraded system to improve service delivery

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and WhatsApp Community for instant news updates

Ambassador Isaac Ochieng, eCitizen head director. PHOTO/eCitizen/X