KWS Launches “Wild Scholars” Programme Offering Free Entry for Students

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has introduced a school incentive programme offering free entry for a portion of students visiting national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries between March and June 2026.

Under the initiative, schools will receive complimentary admission for 10 pupils for every 100 paying students. The offer applies to all levels of education, from nursery to university. Children under six years will continue to enter free of charge, regardless of group size.

KWS has encouraged schools to plan visits during the April holiday period, using the programme to give learners direct exposure to the country’s ecosystems. The agency has named the initiative the “Wild Scholars offer” and is promoting it as an opportunity to combine travel with environmental learning.

The programme follows earlier efforts to increase domestic tourism. In September 2025, KWS waived entry fees for Kenyan citizens during World Tourism Day. Later promotions during the festive season included free or reduced entry based on group size and vehicle type, as well as accommodation offers at park lodges.

Student entry fees typically range from Ksh200 at smaller reserves and sanctuaries to Ksh750 at premium parks such as Amboseli and Lake Nakuru. The new incentive is expected to reduce costs for schools, particularly those organising large groups.

KWS said that the programme aims to support both tourism and conservation education by making wildlife experiences more accessible to young people.