Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has called on Kenyans to embrace conservation values as they enjoy free entry to the country’s national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries in celebration of World Tourism Day 2025.
Speaking on Saturday, September 27, 2025, Miano urged visitors to explore Kenya’s natural heritage with respect, gratitude, and responsibility. She outlined six key pledges that Kenyans should observe while taking advantage of the rare opportunity.
First, she encouraged citizens to recognize every visit as an act of commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s wildlife treasures. Miano emphasized treating animals and their habitats with dignity, noting that they are part of a delicate and irreplaceable ecosystem.
Second, she cautioned against reckless driving inside the parks, stressing that speeding, noise, and off-road driving endanger both visitors and wildlife. “I pledge to act responsibly: I will not litter, I will not drive off-road, I will not speed, I will not make noise, and I will always give animals their space to thrive,” she affirmed.
Third, the CS called on Kenyans to support rangers, who dedicate their lives to protecting the parks. She urged visitors to share their experiences with family and friends to inspire broader appreciation for conservation.
Finally, Miano asked citizens to commit to returning to the parks, not just for recreation but also as a way of sustaining conservation efforts for future generations.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) announced that free entry applies to all its managed national parks and reserves for the day. In Nairobi and Central Kenya, this includes Nairobi National Park, Aberdare National Park, and Mount Kenya National Park. In the Rift Valley, Kenyans can access Hell’s Gate, Mount Elgon, Saiwa Swamp, and Lake Bogoria, among others.
Miano concluded by reminding Kenyans that safeguarding wildlife is not just a duty but also a legacy for tomorrow’s generations.
