Government announces new entry fees for all museums effective May 7

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has announced revised admission fees for its heritage sites and museums, with the new charges set to take effect from May 7, 2026.

In a public notice, NMK said the changes were made pursuant to Legal Notice No. 79 of 2025 under the Museums and Heritage Act, with the adjustments affecting both local and international visitors across its facilities.

Under the new rates, Kenyan and East African citizens will pay Sh350 for adult entry to the Nairobi National Museum, while children will be charged Sh200.

Residents of Africa will pay US$9 for adults and US$6 for children and US$18 for adult foreigners from outside Africa and US$9 for children.

Previously, Kenyans were required to pay Sh300 for adults and Sh150 for children, while non-residents paid Sh1,200 for adults and Sh600 for children.

At the Snake Park, adult Kenyan and East African citizens will pay Sh350, while children will pay Sh200 .

Residents of Africa will pay US$6 for adults and US$3 for children and US$18 for adult foreigners from outside Africa and US$ 9 for children.

For those opting for a combined ticket to both the Nairobi National Museum and Snake Park, adults will pay Sh600, while children will pay Sh300.

Residents of Africa will pay US$5 for adults and US$10 for children and US$25 for adult foreigners from outside Africa and US$15 for children.

Entry to the Nairobi Gallery will cost Kenyan adults Sh300 and children Sh200.

Foreigners from outside Africa will pay US$ 14 for adults and US$7 for children.

At the Karen Blixen Museum and Fort Jesus, Kenyan adults will pay Sh550 and children Sh300.

Residents of Africa will pay US$9 for adults and US$16 for children and US$17 for adult foreigners from outside Africa and US$8 for children.

A combined ticket for Fort Jesus and Butterfly House will cost Kenyan adults Sh650 and children Sh400.

Residents of Africa will pay US$12 for adults and US$7 for children and US$19 for adult foreigners from outside Africa and US$9 for children.

The NMK Director General said the revised fees are aimed at enhancing visitor experience and sustaining conservation efforts.

“These adjustments are necessary to support the maintenance of our heritage sites, improve services, and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from Kenya’s rich cultural and natural heritage,” he said.

The changes also affect other heritage sites including Lamu Museum, Swahili House, German Post Office, and Tambach, Kapenguria, and Shimoni sites.

For instance, a combined package for Lamu Museum, Swahili House and German Post Office will cost Kenyan adults Sh750 and children Sh400.

Residents of Africa will pay US$6 for adults and US$3 for children and US$10 for adult foreigners from outside Africa and US$4 for children.

The revised fees come at a time when the government is pushing to boost cultural tourism as part of broader efforts to diversify the country’s tourism sector beyond wildlife safaris.