Free Entry to National Museums and Parks as Kenya Celebrates World Tourism Day

Kenyan citizens will receive free entry to all national museums, heritage sites, and wildlife parks this weekend in recognition of World Tourism Day, according to a joint announcement by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the National Museums of Kenya (NMK).

On Saturday, 27 and Sunday, 28 September 2025, Kenyan nationals will be granted complimentary access to all NMK-managed institutions, including major cultural and archaeological sites such as the Nairobi National Museum, Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Kariandusi, and Hyrax Hill. 

The Ministry has also confirmed that entry fees to all Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)-managed parks, reserves, and sanctuaries will be waived on Saturday. Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the initiative is aimed at encouraging citizens to engage with the country’s cultural and natural heritage, while also promoting conservation awareness. 

“By opening the gates to these iconic spaces, we aim to foster a greater appreciation of Kenya’s rich biodiversity and inspire a shared responsibility to protect it for generations to come,” she said in a statement issued earlier this week.

The initiative marks Kenya’s official commemoration of World Tourism Day, observed annually on 27 September. Established by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the day highlights the global importance of tourism in fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and environmental sustainability. 

This year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” focuses on the sector’s role in driving inclusive development and ecological resilience. In addition to free entry, several museums will host special exhibitions, cultural performances, and guided tours aimed at educating and engaging a wide range of visitors, including school groups and families. 

These events are designed to deepen public understanding of Kenya’s history and its role in broader regional and global contexts. Tourism remains a vital part of Kenya’s economy, supporting over four million jobs directly and indirectly.