In a move aimed at enhancing visitor experience and addressing growing congestion, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has announced new access measures at Nairobi National Park. The announcement follows an incident over the weekend that saw a massive influx of visitors leading to long queues and extended waiting times at the park’s entry points.
To remedy the situation, CS Miano revealed the immediate introduction of express lanes for prepaid ticket holders. These lanes are designed to fast-track entry for visitors who have booked in advance via the government’s eCitizen portal, which is becoming increasingly popular among tourists. According to Miano, over 60 percent of visitors on Sunday had used the prepaid ticketing system — a trend the ministry is encouraging.
“This is a step forward in our shared journey toward smarter, faster, and more enjoyable park access,” Miano stated. “We understand that extended waiting times may have impacted your experience, and we are committed to making future visits seamless and memorable.”
In addition to express lanes, the ministry has opened more entry points to ease congestion. The East Gate along Mombasa Road and Mbagathi Gate via Magadi Road are now fully operational, providing alternative access routes to the park. Miano also announced future plans to introduce a Southern Bypass gate to further improve accessibility.
“These upgrades are not just about reducing queues; they are about reimagining the visitor experience while safeguarding our unique wildlife,” she emphasized.
The surge in park attendance has been attributed to Nairobi’s growing stature as an international conference destination and Kenya’s intensified tourism marketing efforts. The government expects tourist numbers to hit a record 2.5 million by the end of the year, President William Ruto recently announced.
Visitors are now being encouraged to book tickets in advance through kws.ecitizen.go.ke, to benefit from faster access and avoid delays.
With these enhancements, the government is positioning Nairobi National Park not only as a key conservation site but also as a world-class tourist destination offering an unforgettable urban safari experience.
