Kitui moves to activate
robust tourism circuit
By Barrack Muli
The continued efforts to invest in game reserves is a great boost to the tourism industry in Kitui. The County government intends to make the sector vibrant and contribute significantly to the county’s growing economy. The ministry has demarcated the Proposed Ikime Campsite –a 2.4acre land along the shores of Tana River bordering Meru County to set pace for a long development journey of the area. The area-rich in magnificent canopies and rare riverine beach- is ideal for a tented camp with wobbling bridges connecting the river banks and up for lease to any interested investors.
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| Kitui Tourism Minister and his Chief Officer walk on Adamson's Bridge, the key link to Mwingi National Reserve |
Kitui County prides in hosting the Adamson Falls Bridge linking Kora National Park and Meru National Park via the Mwingi National Reserve. The 120m bridge was constructed to replace the river zip line which the father of lions (George Adamson) used to traverse to the Meru Conservation area. This remains a top tourist attraction site in the county.
According to the County CEC for Tourism Patrick Musau, a memorandum of understanding with the Kenya Wildlife Service is underway to ensure intensive collaboration in the wildlife sector and guarantee a consistent rehabilitation, increased stock and sustained conservation of wildlife in the game reserves within the county.
“Our game reserves are growing and the tourism sector as a whole. The County Government will support the projected initiatives to attain the growth we anticipate” said Musau.
Kaningo campsite in Mwingi North Sub-county has been developed to host visiting tourists in the area. The camp also hosts game rangers to ensure safety of those visiting and also protect the area from destructive use.
Among the areas the ministry targets to upgrade include The Nzambani rock, Ikoo Valley, a Wildlife Conservancy at Kanyoonyoo, a Reptile Park at Mutomo Hills Plant Sanctuary, Mutitu and Mumoni bird watching sites, and Mwingi and South Kitui Game Reserves.
The CEC yesterday toured Kaningo Campsite, the Adamson Falls Bridge and Picnic site, Mwingi Game Reserve and Kora National Park in a bid to gauge the state of the tourism sector in the county for essential exploit.
He said Governor Ngilu’s plan was to revitalize the once troubled tourism industry and ensure maximum exploitation of the attraction sites to create wealth for the county and improve the livelihoods of Kitui residents.
