The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced major changes to improve the tourist experience at Nairobi National Park, following public complaints over long queues at the entrance.
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 18, KWS introduced two new express lanes dedicated to prepaid ticket holders, aiming to reduce entry delays and offer a smoother experience for visitors.
“To further enhance convenience and reduce entry wait times, we have introduced two express lanes exclusively for prepaid ticket holders at Nairobi National Park,” read the statement.
Prepaid tickets, which are digital entry passes, can be purchased in advance via the eCitizen platform. Tourists must create an account to access the service.
The move follows frustration from prepaid ticket holders on Saturday, May 17, after system hitches forced them to queue alongside other visitors still trying to purchase tickets at the gate.
Despite the setback, KWS encouraged tourists to keep using the prepaid option, noting it now offers a fast-tracked entry experience through the express lanes.
KWS also highlighted that 60 per cent of Nairobi National Park visitors now use prepaid tickets—marking a key milestone since the eCitizen payment system was upgraded in February.
The new system is also being piloted at Nairobi Safari Walk and the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
To ease congestion, KWS reminded tourists that, besides the Main Gate, entry is also available at East Gate (off Mombasa Road) and Mbagathi Gate (along Magadi Road, opposite Multimedia University).
