Kenyans flock parks to celebrate World tourism day

Nakuru residents admire the Makalia Falls inside Nakuru National Park on September 28, 2024. The Ministry of Tourism had opened all national parks and game reserves across the country  to kenyans free off charge as a way of celebrating the UN Tourism Week. [KWS, X]

Over 80,000 Kenyans spent their weekend in wildlife parks and reserves across the country following a free pass offered  by the government to mark World Tourism Day.

Data provided by the KWS indicate that a total of 83,352 citizens visited different parks with children being the majority. Some 42,533 children toured several facilities, slightly more than adults who numbered 40,819.

Nairobi Safari Walk and Nairobi Animal Orphanage recorded the highest number of visitors. Nairobi Safari Walk recorded over 16,700 visitors while the Animal Orphanage recorded over 15,600. 

Outside Nairobi, the Kisumu Impala sanctuary and Lake Nakuru National Park topped the list, recording over 12,000 and close to 10,000 visitors respectively.

Out of the total 32 KWS-managed parks which Kenyans were given free access on Saturday, 28 recorded visitors.

Many Kenyans pooled resources to get to the parks, from private and school buses to ordinary matatus ditching ordinary routes to carry Kenyans to the parks.

“I have lived in Nakuru for long but I had never visited the park. It is interesting to see that we have a lot of wildlife in our country, things that I have only read in books,” Sheryl Cherotich, a resident of Nakuru said.

Vincent Cheserek, a Geography teacher, said the opportunity had greatly benefited learners who do not often afford to visit the parks.

“This is a win for many schools, especially those  learners who have not been able to pay entry fees. While we teach theory, it is important for the learners to see and appreciate the heritage we have as a country. It is an offer that should be given often,”  he said.

Assistant director in charge of Lake Nakuru National Park David Oyugi said that with this year’s World Tourism Day theme aiming at harnessing peace, the opportunity had given many Kenyans a chance to visit some of the most popular tourism destinations in the world.

The opportunity had also giving Kenyans a chance to appreciate conservation efforts, he added.

“Lake Nakuru is a World heritage site and an important bird area. The park is also a rhino and Rothschild giraffe sanctuary,” he said.

Central Rift Senior Assistant Director Lucy Makosi said in the Central Rift region, Kenyans were granted a free pass to Lake Elementaita, Lake Nakuru National Park, Hells Gate National Park and Mt Longonot.

“Besides offering unique sights and different experiences including walking, hiking, hot springs and gorge exploration, these areas have rich biodiversity including rare birds and animals. This is an opportunity that is an eye-opener to many Kenyans that also promotes eco-tourism ventures,” Makosi said.

She urged Kenyans to tap into opportunities in the tourism sector and utilize the unique tourism packages in the country.

For tourism stakeholders like Joseph Muya, the director of Lake Nakuru Lodge, the opportunity was an initiative to give back to society.

“Kenya is known for its unique wildlife resources. Given the opportunity to experience this, Kenyans will understand why Lake Nakuru, for example, should be conserved,” Muya said.

Local tourists who visited the parks praised the initiative noting that it offered them a rare opportunity to interact with wildlife but called on more of such opportunities.

“This is a good initiative but they should make it frequent,” Thuo Gachino, Kanjuiri MCA in Nyandarua said.

Some parks and reserves, including Central Island National Park, Sibilo, South Island National parks in Turkana and Kiunga Marine National Reserve on the Indian Ocean Coast of Lamu did not, however, record any visitors.