Nairobi National Museum, Fort Jesus among sites hit by steep fee increases

Kenyans will now pay significantly more to access national museums and heritage sites following a revision of entry fees by the National Museums of Kenya (NMK).

In a notice issued on May 6, 2026, NMK announced new admission charges for its heritage facilities effective May 7, 2026.

The revised structure affects Kenyan citizens, East African residents and non-residents visiting museums, historical monuments and heritage sites across the country.

Among the facilities affected is the Nairobi National Museum and Snake Park, where entry fees for Kenyan adults rose from Sh200 to Sh350.

Children below the age of 16 will now pay Sh200, up from the previous Sh100 charge.

A combined ticket for the Nairobi National Museum and Snake Park has also increased sharply, with adults set to pay Sh600 while children will pay Sh300.

The Nairobi Gallery was also affected by the revision, with adult entry fees doubling from Sh150 to Sh300. Children will now pay Sh200.

The revised structure also introduced sharp increases at some of Kenya’s most visited heritage attractions.

Entry fees for both Fort Jesus Museum and Karen Blixen Museum rose from Sh200 for adults to Sh550. Charges for children increased from Sh100 to Sh300.

Visitors seeking access to both Fort Jesus Museum and the Butterfly House will now pay Sh650 for adults and Sh400 for children under a combined package ticket.

NMK also revised charges for several heritage facilities including Meru Museum, Malindi Museum, Kabarnet Museum, Kapenguria Museum, Gede Ruins, Mnarani Ruins, Kariandusi, Koobi Fora and Thimlich Ohinga.

Under the new structure, Kenyan adults visiting the sites will pay Sh200 while children will pay Sh100.

At the Coast, visitors to Lamu Fort, Lamu Museum, Swahili House and the German Post Office will also pay revised rates. Kenyan adults will now pay Sh200 while children will pay Sh100.

A package ticket covering all four Lamu heritage attractions will cost Sh750 for adults and Sh400 for children.

Despite the broad review, some heritage sites retained their previous rates.

Hyrax Hill and Rabai museums remained unchanged for Kenyan citizens, with adults continuing to pay Sh100 while children below 16 years will pay Sh50.

Tambach, Kakapel, Pate, Nyeri, Shimoni, Songhor, Fort Ternan and Siyu Fort will also remain among the cheapest heritage sites to access, attracting Sh100 for adults and Sh50 for children.