MACHAKOS, Kenya – Saving nature has always been at the heart of the mandate of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
As Kenya’s most eminent national wildlife conservation agency, KWS commits to providing leadership in wildlife conservation and management.
As a result of this, KWS has launched the Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park Management Plan 2024-2034 at an event held at Machakos University.
The event was presided over by Lekishon Kenana, Deputy Director of the Conservation Science Programme.
The chief guest was John Kilonzo, the Machakos County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Industrialisation, Tourism, and SME Development.
Representatives from the County Government of Machakos, Athi Kapiti Wildlife Conservancies Association, Friends of Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), and KWS staff were also present.
Why the Ol Donyo Sabuk area is vital to Machakos County
In his remarks, the CECM emphasised strengthening partnerships among stakeholders, including KWS, the County Government of Machakos, conservation partners, and local communities.
“The Ol Donyo Sabuk area holds important history. Against this background, there is a need to capitalise on the county’s tourism potential,” said Kilonzo.
On his part, the deputy director, Kenana, remarked that the plan is a living document to be implemented by diverse stakeholders.
Y News understands that Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is a park dominated by a mountain covered in montane forest, offering camping, picnicking, and team-building opportunities.
It is located in the Kwanzaa Division of Machakos County and is home to various bird species.
The park provides a venue for adventure and fun activities in a natural setting.
What KWS is doing to transform the Ol Donyo Sabuk area
The mountain itself has historical significance, with William Northrup McMillan being the first non-native to reside there.
In July 2023, KWS partnered with local investors and the surrounding community in a tree-planting initiative geared towards saving the Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park from wanton destruction.
The move sought to redeem the once-green forests on the Kilimambogo hill in Matungulu, Machakos County, which was once a major water tower for residents of the area nearby.
A visit to the hill, home to several herds of buffalo and other wild animals, showed wanton destruction of the forest through logging, which residents attributed to the continued dry spell that has hit the area over the years.
Speaking during a tree-planting exercise on the slopes of the hill, the warden in charge of the national park, Fredrick Kisera, said the exercise would help restore the forest as well as the water towers.
Kisera said they had started a free seedling distribution exercise for the surrounding communities to help restore the forest cover.
Why are KWS officers vigilant in the Ol Donyo Sabuk area
He warned that his officers were on high alert to deal with logging and illegal activities of charcoal burning that had rendered the mountain dry.
Meanwhile, Edward Kyule, an experienced tours and travel consultant, said he was honoured to attend the unveiling of the Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park Management Plan 2024-2034 event.
“These are exciting times ahead for sustainable park management and wildlife preservation,” said Kyule, the patron of the Ol Donyo Sabuk Marathon.
This new development comes when the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, through KWS, recently launched the National Parks and Reserves Performance 2024.
The Annual Tourism Sector Performance Report 2024 by the Tourism Research Institute (TRI Kenya) highlights an inspiring milestone for conservation and tourism in Kenya.
What are the top 10 national parks and reserves in Kenya
According to the document, the top 10 national parks and reserves are as follows:
Nairobi Mini Orphanage (455,550), Nairobi National Park (431,165), Kisumu Impala Sanctuary (309,728), Lake Nakuru National Park (293,107), and Nairobi Safari Walk (286,165).
Others are Amboseli National Park (266,102), Tsavo East National Park (238,545), Hell’s Gate National Park (230,314), Kisite Marine Park (96,634), and Tsavo West National Park (89,594).
“With Nairobi Orphanage, Nairobi National Park, and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary leading the charts, the numbers speak volumes about the growing love for our parks and the success of collaborative conservation efforts,” KWS said in a statement.
The report further states that “the impressive growth of Kenya’s tourism sector in 2024 is a testament to strategic interventions and collaborative efforts by stakeholders.”
KWS maintained that it remains committed to preserving the country’s wildlife heritage and creating unforgettable experiences for every visitor.
The Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park Management Plan 2024-2034 is now available on the KWS website for download.
