KWS, county government set to map out eco-tourism sites in North Rift

KWS officers patrol lake Nakuru National Park with sniffer dogs.

Kenya: The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is set to carry out an environmental impact assessment on potential eco-tourism sites in the North Rift.

The service wants to establish community conservation areas to minimise human-wildlife conflicts as well as market the area as a top tourism destination.

KWS Warden in charge of Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties Joel Kanda said scientists from the service are expected to visit tourist attraction sites in Nandi in the next two weeks to carry out the exercise.

Joint initiative

"This is a joint activity to be undertaken by KWS, Nature Kenya and the Nandi County government. It is mandatory for assessments to be done before any project is done," said Kanda.

Mr Kanda, who spoke to The Standard Wednesday, said the assessment would enable them to map out areas that can be developed to open up the region for tourism activities.

The sites lined up for the exercise include Kibirong, Kaptumek, Nandi Escarpment, Keben Springs, Birei Lake in Kimondi and expanded Kingwal Swamp.

"Some of the swamps in the region host the aquatic antelopes -Sitatunga- and other wildlife, including leopards and rare bird species," said Kanda.

He added that the region has agro-tourism potential that remains untapped.