Drivers compete in save wildlife campaign

PIC 1 and 2. Members of the public and Safari rally fans watch in disbelief at some of the vehicles belonging to Bundu Rovers Club pasing through river beds during the lunch of the Elgeyo Marakwet County motor vehicle sports meant to assist in elephant's protection and conservation of Remoi Game Reserve yesterday. 14.212.2014. Pictures By Peter Ochieng.

Elgeyo Marakwet County held a thrilling motor racing at Rimoi National Game Reserve to aid the elephant conservation efforts in the park besides marketing it as a tourist destination.

The exhilarating event saw drivers display their navigating skills through the unique terrain - deep gulleys, hills and trees as others were stuck in mud by driving through river beds as they mingled with wildlife at the expansive reserve.

The contest, organised in conjunction with Friends of Satao (Bundu rovers) raised funds to promote wildlife protection from poachers especially the elephants. Satao was one of the home for the biggest elephants in the country, with the largest tusks, but were killed by poachers in Tsavo national park in May this year.

According to the Tourism, Trade and Energy Secretary Anne Kibosia, the three-day competition would advance the conservation of parks and wildlife.

"This initiative, apart from marketing the county as a tourist destination would help in promoting the wildlife conservation from poachers and conserve the parks," she said.

The secretary said a lot still needs to be done to eliminate the poaching because it deprives us of our national heritage and revenue  adding that the county has lost one elephant this year to poachers.

"Our county is known as an athletic powerhouse but this programme is an eye opener to stage more distinctive such races and offer variety of scenic features to our tourists," she said promising that the event would be an annual event with more participants taking place.

Friends of Satao chairman Vincent Kayati described the contest as one of its kind saying they would help the county government in holding such unique events to educate the public on the need of animal conservation.

"We shall reap from tourists if our wildlife is well conserved and exploited for prosperity and posterity," he said.

He continued: "Next year we are hoping to see individuals with four wheel vehicles turn up to such events and blend with nature by participating in such wonderful races and have fun."

Area governor Alex Tolgos who flagged off the race said his government was keen in exploiting tourism avenues in the county in order exploit the sector which has remained untapped for long.

"Our county is endowed with unique features ideal for tourism and my government has put in place measures to ensure we tap them," said the governor.

Rimoi Reserve lies at the bottom of the Kerio Valley Park along the Kabarnet - Eldoret road.