KWS rolls out upgraded eCitizen payment system ‘KWSPay’

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced the transition from the old eCitizen platform to an upgraded payment system, introducing a more efficient and flexible process for booking and paying for conservation fees and other KWS services.

The new platform, branded KWSPay, was launched on Saturday evening in partnership with eCitizen.

The move comes in response to concerns raised by tourism stakeholders and the public regarding challenges experienced during the previous payment system.

In a joint statement, KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga and eCitizen Director General Amb. Isaac Ochieng said the transition marks a major step in improving service delivery and access to national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.

“The transition from the old eCitizen platform to the upgraded new eCitizen payment system, branded as ‘KWSPay’, introduces a more seamless, enhanced and flexible process for booking and making payments for Conservation Fees and other KWS services,” the statement read.

According to the announcement, the new system offers multiple payment options, including Mpesa, bank cards, bank transfers, and eWallet services. These options became available from 6:00 pm on November 1, 2025, with detailed user instructions provided on both the KWS and eCitizen websites.

The upgraded platform will also apply a monthly dollar exchange rate in line with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). This, the statement said, is meant “to cushion the service provider against inflation, currency fluctuations and interbank charges.”

The exchange rate will be reviewed and communicated monthly through the KWS and KWSPay portals.

Additionally, a nominal administrative fee per transaction will be charged, as outlined in the Gazette Notice No. 17422 dated 22nd December 2023.

The new system also introduces an additional 5% gateway fee per transaction, which has received approval from the CBK. The fee will help support system maintenance and operational costs.

KWS further noted that bank card payments may attract extra charges depending on the card service provider, ranging from up to 3.5%.

Prof. Kanga and Amb. Ochieng assured users that both institutions remain committed to improving transparency and efficiency in service delivery.

KWS and eCitizen remain committed to providing efficient, transparent, and customer-friendly payment services that improve access to Kenya’s national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries under KWS management,” they said.

The two agencies also encouraged continued feedback from users to enhance the platform further.

“The two institutions welcome continuous feedback on the new upgraded system to improve service delivery,” the statement concluded.