The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued guidelines that Kenyans planning to visit national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries on September 28 should adhere to.
Kenyans on September 28 will access national parks, reserves, and select facilities for free from 6:00 a.m. and exit by 6:30 p.m. after the government through the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife made the announcement.
This initiative was meant to celebrate World Tourism Day and recognize the critical role Kenyans play in wildlife conservation.
KWS in a notice has issued guidelines to be observed by citizens who intend to visit the parks and wildlife facilities.
“Adventure awaits at #KenyaParks and tomorrow, entry fee is on us! Come explore the beauty of Kenya’s wild side, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, and experience nature like never before. As you explore, remember to adhere to the park rules and regulations. Let’s make it a fun, eco-friendly day for all!” said KWS in a statement.
In the regulations shared on Friday, KWS asked Kenyans to respect the privacy of the wildlife, as this is their habitat.
“Beware of the animals, they are wild and unpredictable. Don’t crowd the animals or make sudden noises or movements,” reads the notice.
KWS lists Park guidelines
Also, Kenyans were asked to remain quiet as noise disturbs the wildlife and that it may antagonize fellow visitors, adding that car hooting is not allowed inside the parks.
Also Read: Government Announces Park Visiting Hours & Other Guidelines
At the same time, Kenyans have been warned against feeding the animals, with KWS saying that it upsets their diet and leads to human dependence.
The service further asked Kenyans to stay in their vehicles in their stay, except at designated areas and avoid driving off-road as this severely damages the habitat.
Also, KWS warned against over speeding inside the parks, highlighting that it is strictly prohibited and may lead to getting banned from visiting the park in future.
“Keep below the maximum speed limit (40kph/25mph). When viewing wildlife keep to a minimum distance of 20 meters and pull to the side of the road so as to allow others to pass,” the notice adds.
If camping, visitors were asked not to leave fires unattended.
Extra rules
Further, visitors were directed to respect the cultural traditions of Kenya by dressing with decorum and not to take pictures of local people or their habitat without asking for their permission as part of respecting the cultural heritage of Kenya.
Also Read: Govt Announces Special Day for Free Entry Into All Parks
Other rules include visitors vacating the park by 6.00 p.m. unless they are camping overnight, avoid littering or throwing cigarette butts.
“Avoid overstays. In case of any genuine delays, please call the hotline numbers for assistance and reporting.
Night game driving is allowed at a fee.
Citizens will only be allowed to access the parks and facilities with a valid Kenyan Identification Card (ID).
Alternatively, those who do not have national IDs they can use passports to access the parks.
World Tourism Day which is celebrated annually on September 27 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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