County announces free entry to Masai Mara during Madaraka Day

L-R- Narok leaders Senator Ledama ole Kina, Governor Samuel Tunai, Woman Rep Soipan Tuya and Interior CAS Patrick Ntutu at a press briefing at a Narok hotel. [Robert Kiplagat/Standard]

Domestic tourists will enjoy free access to the Masai Mara Game Reserve courtesy of Narok County Government on June 1.

The announcement was made by the county government, and said to be a way to mark Madaraka Day.

Addressing journalists at a hotel after a consultative meeting with leaders and national government officials, Governor Samuel Tunai said the move would ensure those who had never been to the Mara “have a taste of it”.

Domestic tourists to the park are usually charged Sh2,000 per head while foreigners part with Sh8,000.

“Narok is home of the eighth wonder of the world, the annual Wildebeest migration to and from Mara and Serengeti in neighboring Tanzania,” said Mr Tunai.

“We have decided to waive park fees to celebrate Kenya’s attainment of self-rule and mark our (Maasai) culture,” he added.

He said his administration was also in talks with hoteliers around the Mara to subsidise accommodation fees for tourists by at least 50 per cent to complement the free entry gesture.

Tunai further noted that the traditional Maa culture all starting from Samburu, Kajiado to the host county of Narok would be showcased during that day.

“Those who have never had chance of meeting a Maasai Moran in real life, apart from seeing photos in newspapers, will have an opportunity to interact with them one on one during that day,” said the Governor.

Narok got an opportunity to host the cultural fest after neighboring Kajiado, which was supposed to host it, failed for lack of a stadium.

Among leaders present during the event’s planning were Senator Ledama ole Kina, MPs Korei Lemein (Narok South), Lemanken Aramat (Narok East), Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West) and area Women Rep Soipan Tuya, who termed the opportunity to host the Madaraka Day celebrations a milestone.