Tourists denied park entry despite free-day offer

Nakuru residents camp at the gate as vehicles are barred from entry of Lake Nakuru National Park during Park Free Entry day on September 27, 2025. [Daniel Chege, Standard]

Hundreds of local and international tourists were left stranded Saturday after being barred from entering Lake Nakuru National Park, despite the day being declared a free-entry day across all national parks in Kenya.

Visitors, including families with children who had travelled in matatus, buses, tour vehicles, and private cars, were disappointed by the sudden closure. Many Nakuru residents were unaware of a last-minute notice issued by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which barred access only to Lake Nakuru, while all other KWS-managed parks across the country remained open.