In a swift response to mounting visitor frustrations, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has launched two express lanes at Nairobi National Park, designed to slash entry wait times and enhance visitor experience.

For months, tourists and residents voiced concerns over long queues delaying park entry, eating into their quality time with the wildlife spectacle.

KWS, recognising the urgency, acted decisively, introducing a fast-track system exclusively for prepaid ticket holders.

 According to a statement from KWS, the radical changes include: dedicated lanes for prepaid ticket holders, ensuring swift processing at the Main Gate, digital ticketing system via e-Citizen, allowing visitors to purchase entry passes in advance and skip long lines, and expanded entry points at East Gate and Mbagathi Gate, further reducing congestion.

The initiative comes after system hitches on May 17, which saw prepaid ticket holders stuck in long queues despite their early purchase. KWS acknowledged the setback, emphasizing that express lanes will now prevent such delays moving forward.

"One major issue was that system downtime forced prepaid visitors to wait alongside others purchasing tickets at the gate, defeating the purpose of booking. These express lanes now ensure that early ticket holders get the smooth experience they deserve," KWS stated.

Since the February upgrade of the eCitizen system, KWS revealed that 60% of park visitors now use prepaid tickets, demonstrating a major shift toward digital accessibility. The express lanes, the alternative entry points, reflect KWS’s broader commitment to streamlining park access while maintaining visitor convenience.

 "We encourage more tourists to pre-purchase tickets, as these lanes provide faster access and a seamless experience," KWS urged in its statement.

 These changes, taking effect immediately, mean: no more frustrating wait times, prepaid ticket holders breeze through dedicated lanes, multiple entry options at the Gate, East Gate, and Mbagathi Gate, which are now fully operational, and efficiency in conservation tourism, ensuring Nairobi National Park remains accessible and welcoming.

Nairobi National Park attracts global tourists, being the only Park established in a city. KWS’s latest move signals a commitment to modernizing access while preserving Kenya’s unparalleled wildlife experience.