Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi has called on tourism stakeholders to unite in the promotion of the multi-million venture enterprise within the county.
Cheboi made the call after he officially flagged off the 10th edition of Kaldich boat race at Lake Baringo, where he stated that the county is endowed with unique features, rugged terrain and beautiful tourism sites that are worth visiting especially in Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria.
He divulged that his administration was working on modalities of marketing a new geyser site within Kokwa Island, which will attract local and international visitors.
“I have met with Lake Baringo beach management unit to discuss on the new geyser, which I have visited and even took photographs which I am going to market in my website,” said Cheboi.
The Governor said such tourism activities with support of good hospitality facilities will bring about a significant source of income for local communities and in turn promote economic growth in the region.
Cheboi at the same time congratulated the participants of this year’s Kaldich race, which he said, exceeded expectation in the sports competition, aimed at fostering peace amongst the Tugen, Pokot and Ilchamus communities.
Luis Juma, who emerged the champion in the 15 horse power motor boat race category, also took the opportunity to welcome visitors to Lake Baringo, which has thousands of aquatic animals including crocodiles, hippos as well as different species of birds.
Juma who revealed that the lake was still coming to live after rising water levels which submerged around three hospitality facilities in its vicinity, said that he was optimistic that a solution will be arrived at concerning the adverse effects of climate change.
Selina Karanga, who uses that traditional rafter known as Kaldich to fish within Lake Baringo shared that the brunt of climate change has affected their trade as the trees used to make the Kaldich submerged, rendering those that cannot afford a motor boat lose livelihood.
Baringo county assembly Deputy speaker Kipruto Kimosop in his remarks stated that the assembly was ready to support in enacting laws to support tourism activities in major lakes in the county.
By Benson Kelio and Christopher Kiprop
