As the world nears to mark the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Day, the government of Kenya on September 23 issued guidelines that the citizens should adhere to.
Earlier the government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife announced that the citizens would be allowed to enjoy free access to national parks, reserves, and select facilities on September 28 from 6:00 a.m and exit by 6:30 p.m.
This initiative was meant to celebrate World Tourism Day and recognize the critical role Kenyans play in wildlife conservation.
These are the guidelines that the government has issued to citizens who intend to visit the parks and wildlife facilities at the stipulated date.
Guidelines announced by the government
According to the government, free entry will only apply to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) managed national parks, reserves, and facilities namely Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Nairobi Safari Walk, and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary.
The free entry offer will exclude activities like camping and guided tours.
Those who intend to access the parks and reserves must access by vehicles while those who intend to access orphanages and sanctuaries must access by foot.
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Citizens will only be allowed to access the parks and facilities with a valid Kenyan Identification Card (ID).
Alternatively, for those who do not have national IDs they can use passports to access the parks.
Additionally, the government has also instructed citizens to follow park rules which include adhering to speed limits, not dumping of plastics, staying on designated roads, and avoiding disturbing wildlife.
Besides the guidelines, the government has pledged to offer various services when the citizens access the parks.
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It has promised that some parks will offer interpretive tours to nearby communities and schools.
Moreover, it has assured the citizens that it will provide safety through the KWS in coordination with the National Police.
About World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27.
This date was selected to commemorate the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes in 1970, which paved the way for the establishment of the UNWTO five years later.
The purpose of the day is to increase understanding of tourism’s significance globally and to emphasize its contributions to society, culture, politics, and the economy.
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