National Museums of Kenya Announces New Entry Fees For Museums And Heritage Sites

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has announced a revision of admission fees for museums, monuments, and heritage sites across the country, with the new charges set to take effect on May 7, 2026.

The adjustments were officially communicated on Tuesday, April 7, and align with the provisions outlined in the National Museums and Heritage (Admissions Fees) Regulations 2025.

According to the agency, the revised pricing structure is part of a broader effort to support the conservation of Kenya’s cultural heritage while enhancing visitor experiences at the country’s museums and historical sites. The updated fees will apply to both local and international visitors across a wide network of heritage attractions managed by the institution.

Under the new rates, Kenyan and East African adult citizens visiting the Nairobi National Museum or the Nairobi Snake Park will now pay Ksh350, while children will be charged Ksh200. Visitors who wish to access both facilities through a combined ticket will pay Ksh600 for adults and Ksh300 for children.

For visitors from other African countries, the revised charges have been set at Ksh1,170 for adults and Ksh780 for children. Tourists travelling from outside the African continent will pay Ksh2,341 for adults and Ksh1,170 for children under the new structure.

Previously, Kenyan citizens paid Ksh300 for adult entry and Ksh150 for children at the same sites, while non-resident visitors were charged Ksh1,200 for adults and Ksh600 for children.

The revised pricing will also affect some of Kenya’s most prominent cultural and historical landmarks, including the Karen Blixen Museum and the iconic Fort Jesus.

Under the updated charges, Kenyan and East African adult visitors to these sites will now pay Ksh550, while children will pay Ksh300. Additionally, a combined ticket granting access to both the Fort Jesus Museum and the Butterfly House will cost Ksh650 for adults and Ksh400 for children.

Along the coast, several heritage sites located in Lamu County will maintain relatively affordable entry fees. These include the Lamu Fort, Lamu Museum, Swahili House Museum, and the German Post Office Museum. Each of these attractions will retain individual entry charges of Ksh200 for adults and Ksh100 for children.

However, visitors seeking a broader cultural experience can opt for a combined package covering all four sites, which will cost Ksh750 for adults and Ksh400 for children.

The revised notice also outlines standardized entry fees for several regional heritage facilities located across different parts of the country. These include sites in Meru County, Malindi, Kabarnet, Kapenguria, the historic Gede Ruins, and the Mtwapa Heritage Site. Entry charges at these locations have been standardized at Ksh200 for adults and Ksh100 for children.

Meanwhile, smaller heritage destinations across the country will continue to offer lower entry rates to encourage local tourism and community engagement. These sites include Tambach, Kakapel Rock Art Site, Pate Island, Nyeri, Shimoni, Songhor, Fort Ternan Prehistoric Site, and Siyu Fort. Visitors to these locations will pay Ksh100 for adults and Ksh50 for children.

The National Museums of Kenya further clarified that admission fees at the Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Rabai Museum will remain unchanged until further notice.

All museums and heritage sites managed by the agency will continue to operate daily between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Officials say the revised fee structure is intended to strengthen the sustainability of Kenya’s heritage sector by supporting maintenance, improving infrastructure, and enhancing visitor services across the country’s museums and historical landmarks.

The changes are also expected to contribute to the preservation of Kenya’s cultural legacy while promoting tourism and educational engagement for both local and international visitors.

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