Here's what netizens had to say about KWS increased park entry fees

The Kenya Wildlife Service's (KWS) decision to increase park entry fees for local tourists has sparked debate among Kenyans, particularly in Nakuru. Many people have taken to Facebook to express their frustrations and share jokes and opinions.

Most netizens felt that the increased park fees were unnecessary.

James Maina, for example, coined a new name for the park, calling it the 'Lake Nakuru crime scene'. Similarly, Nicholas Ndegwa echoes this sentiment, simply calling it a 'crime scene'.

Another online user, Dave WA Yesu, notes that the premium park offers little in return for the increased charges: "There's nothing there, just water and baboons."

Caxton Mukhwana reacts with resignation: "In Kenya, we only need to read about things and look the other way." Malik Verb dismissed the new charges altogether, saying: "We'll Google it, and for more details, we'll watch documentaries."

CoolTech Fridge Repair adds sarcastically, “Take good care of our animals; we'll be watching on TV.”
Andrew Chege expresses his disappointment: "Very discouraging. What's new there? I'd better watch Nat Geo and others on YouTube." Mwea News notes that this discourages local tourism.

Johnte Mwa questions the decision: "Why is it so expensive for Kenyans? Surely?" Echoing this sentiment. Isaac Wachira Ba’Israel observes, "Let them go and watch the animals; Nat Geo will come in handy."

Injecting humour into the debate, Joe Qaqa says, "Alafu niingie huko nikitaka kuhug simba mnikatase, mtasema kama pesa ni yenu!"

However, Timothy Kithaka takes a different approach, educating fellow users and sharing infographics from other digital outlets to justify the increase.

Others see the fee increase as exclusionary. "This is a way of discarding local tourists who can't afford the fee, given the state of the country's economy," notes Peter Wa Frr. He adds in jest, "Lakini ni sawa, tutakuwa tunaonea baboon’s bure huku nje zikitoka."

Lion Ess is more blunt in her response: "Wakae na monkey zao tutazionea kwa mabati za Lakeview na Phase 2."

Wango Marie adds: 'I can see them for free through my window." Closing on a sarcastic note, Mike Mike comments: "People who comment on this post are the same people who visit the park for 800 bob."

These reactions highlight a growing concern that the cost of enjoying Kenya’s natural heritage is becoming unaffordable for many citizens,