KWS Director General Erastus Kanga. Photo | courtesy.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced the successful transition from the old eCitizen platform to an upgraded and more efficient payment system, branded as “KWSPay.”
In a joint statement issued , KWS and eCitizen Services said the new platform aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and flexibility in payments for conservation fees and other wildlife services.
“Kenya Wildlife Service acknowledges concerns raised by tourism stakeholders and the public following the transition to a new and upgraded payment system,” the statement read in part.
The new KWSPay system introduces multiple payment options, including M-Pesa, bank cards, bank transfers, and eWallets, all available from November 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
The service is expected to simplify and streamline how visitors and stakeholders make payments for national park entry, conservation fees, and other KWS-related services.
According to the statement, the system also aligns with Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) policies by introducing a monthly dollar exchange rate and corresponding facilitation charges.
“All transactions will apply a monthly dollar ($) exchange rate in line with Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) rates in addition to facilitation charges to cushion the service provider against inflation, currency fluctuations, and interchange charges,” KWS noted
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Additionally, a nominal administrative fee will apply to each transaction as outlined in Gazette Notice No. 17422 dated December 22, 2023. A 5 percent gateway fee will also be charged for payments processed through the system to support its maintenance and operational costs.
“All payments through bank cards attract gateway fees depending on the card type, ranging from 2.3 percent to 3.5 percent,” the statement clarified.
KWS Director General Dr. Erustus Kanga and Amb. Isaac Ochieng, Director General of eCitizen Services, affirmed their commitment to providing an efficient and customer-friendly payment platform that meets global service standards.
“KWS and eCitizen remain committed to providing efficient, transparent, and customer-friendly services that improve access to Kenya’s national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries,” they said.
