In a move to augment revenue for heritage conservation efforts, the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has proposed a significant 100% hike in entry fees to all museums and national heritage sites. The current fees, last revised in 2013, were deemed insufficient to meet the financial needs of NMK.

Under the proposed National Museums and Heritage (Admission Fees) Regulations, 2023, NMK plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the decade-old rates in a three-year phase.

"The proposed increase aims to boost internal revenue to support NMK’s efforts in heritage conservation for posterity," announced NMK.

As per the new rates, Kenyans visiting the Nairobi National Museum will see an entry fee increase from Ksh200 to Ksh400. East African Citizens touring Fort Jesus in Mombasa will face a revised fee of Ksh1200, up from Ksh600, while non-residents will be required to pay Ksh2400 after the 100% increment.

The factors cited for the substantial fee hike include the weakening of the shilling against the dollar, emerging government policies, and revenue volatility. NMK highlighted the administration's push, led by President William Ruto, for state corporations to attain self-sustainability as a key driver for the increase in revenue collection.

"The implementation is proposed to be phased in three phases, with the first phase being a 50% increase from the current rates for the 1st year upon coming into force of the regulations," clarified NMK. "The second phase, commencing from the 2nd year onwards, would see a further 25% increase, and the last phase would be a final 25% further increase implementable from the 3rd year onwards."