KWS rebrands Shimba Hills Reserve

By Philip Mwakio

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has re-branded the Shimba Hills National Reserve to attract more visitors to the Coast’s fourth nature conservancy. Improved roads, increased number of animals and better KWS accommodation facilities are some of the features of the new-look Shimba Hills reserve.

Forestry and Wildlife Minister, Noah Wekesa, said the reserve presents huge potential, which needs to be exploited.

"We have fenced off 110km with an electric fence, and only 5km is remaining. This too will be completed soon and we shall have a secure reserve," the minister said.

He assured residents living near the conservation area that KWS will conduct daily patrols in the area to stem off potential human wildlife conflict incidences.

Wekesa cited the proposed Wildlife (Conservation and management) Bill 2010 that is pending before Parliament, saying it would enhance support to communities living near parks.

He said the new Bill proposes among others a new institutional structure that will strengthen wildlife management institutions as it seeks to increase efficiency.

"There is a clause that proposes the reinstatement of compensation for damage to crops and property by wildlife. It also seeks to integrate communities into wildlife conservation and management throughout the country," the minister who was accompanied by Assistant minister Josphat Nanook and KWS Board of Trustees chairman, David Mwiraria said.

The Bill also includes legal reforms in wildlife management that would see stiffer penalties for wildlife crime offenders.

Vision 2030

Dr Wekesa lauded the branding of the Shimba Hills reserve, saying it will move Kenya closer to achieving the Vision 2030 dream.

"Under the Vison 2030, some of the specific strategies include achieving increased revenue from tourism through enhancing safari products,’’ he said.

The minister said that the completion of the reserves management plan will give further prescription for additional tourism development and called on investors to take up the opportunity when it arises.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mohamed Wamwachai, KWS director, Julius Kipng’etich, KWS Assistant Director Coast, Simeon Gitau, Kwale DC, Moffat Mkangi were present during the ceremony.