The three counties of Kitui, Machakos and Makueni will be marketed under Ukambani circuit to maximize on the tourism potential of the lower eastern region.
While addressing tourism stakeholders at the Chyulu Hills National Park in Makueni, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua said the three counties will be marketed as a circuit for enhanced visitor experience and longer stays.
The CS accompanied by senior tourism officials is on a tour of counties to identify hidden gems for proper packaging and promotion under the #UtaliiFresh initiative.
The campaign is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, county governments, tourism stakeholders, and local communities aimed to unlock Kenya’s tourism potential, create economic opportunities, and promote sustainable development nationwide.
He appealed to local and international investors to build hotels and other accommodation facilities which he pointed out was much needed in the region with the expected increase in tourism activities.
He said Kyulu Hills National Park will be rebranded and its roads be upgraded for ease of access.
“We will also look at repackaging the park for other experiences such mountain climbing, hiking and film making,” said the CS.
He added that a cultural Center will be constructed as one way of promoting cultural experiences to the visitors.
To minimize human- wildlife conflict, the CS disclosed, that the fencing around the park will commence even as KWS intensifies the sensitization among communities living in the area on peaceful coexistence with the wildlife.
He said Makindu airstrip will be upgraded to enable scheduled and frequent flights into the region.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo said the county has made a request to have Kyulu national park managed under the county government.
While calling on KWS to step up efforts towards improvement of the roads into the park, the governor observed that the community was set to benefit from carbon credits once sensitization on the prospects were complete.
He disclosed that the community is seeking a compensation of close to 1 billion Shillings from the government for the loss of lives and other damages as a result of human-wildlife conflict.
The government is set to roll out a compensation plan to victims of human-wildlife conflict from 12th April.