In response to growing congestion and long wait times at Nairobi National Park, the Kenyan government has announced new immediate measures aimed at enhancing visitor access and streamlining entry procedures.
According to an article by The Star, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano revealed that express lanes for prepaid ticket holders have now been introduced to help reduce queues and create a more efficient experience for the park’s growing number of visitors.
The changes come after a recent weekend saw unusually long delays at entry gates, prompting concerns about the park’s capacity to manage the increasing tourist numbers.
Miano acknowledged the inconvenience caused and emphasized that the government is committed to making future visits more seamless and enjoyable.
To tackle overcrowding at the main entrances, two additional gates—East Gate along Mombasa Road and Mbagathi Gate on Magadi Road—are now fully operational.
These upgrades aim not only to speed up access but also to enhance the overall visitor journey while maintaining the park’s unique ecological character.
Looking ahead, Miano also announced plans for a new entry point via the Southern Bypass, which would further improve accessibility to the park from Nairobi’s expanding transport corridors.
A key driver behind the rising footfall is Nairobi’s growing role as a hub for international conferences, coupled with effective tourism promotion campaigns that have raised Kenya’s visibility as a global travel destination.
According to Miano, over 60% of visitors last Sunday used the eCitizen prepaid ticketing system—a figure the ministry aims to increase by encouraging more guests to book ahead online through kws.ecitizen.go.ke.
President William Ruto echoed the momentum, noting that Kenya is on track to welcome a record-breaking 2.5 million tourists by the end of 2025.
He reaffirmed the national target of attracting five million annual visitors by 2027, signaling strong governmental support for expanding the tourism sector.
These improvements at Nairobi National Park highlight the growing global demand for accessible, well-managed outdoor recreation spaces.
As more travelers prioritize nature-based experiences, efficient infrastructure and digital access become essential models for enhancing outdoor tourism worldwide