The government has reduced gate charges in national parks in the country in a bid to promote local tourism and revive the sector.
Speaking Monday during a tour of Mt Elgon Park in Trans Nzoia, Tourism and Wildlife PS Prof Fred Segor said this is among raft measures taken by the government to improve the sector that has been adversely affected by the corona virus pandemic.
Prof Segor said that Covid 19 had constrained foreign tourists upsetting the country’s revenue earnings.
According to the PS, reducing gate charges were going to attract Kenyans to the parks as the country fights the pandemic.
On human wildlife conflict, Segor said the government has commenced electric fencing to reduce compensation claims caused by the menace. Mt Elgon National park will receive Sh. 100 million for its 21kilometre electric fence for that purpose.
According to the PS, the government has already brought on board stakeholders to give suggestions on universal policies that will help revive the sector.
The PS was flanked by his Livestock counterpart Harry Kimtai, who said that his ministry had also taken up diversification measures to help revamp the industry.
Kimtai announced free vaccination for animals belonging to people living around the park to keep diseases at bay.
He also asked local communities’ neighbouring the park to support environmental efforts put on place by the government for sustainable development.
By Pauline Ikanda
