Security beefed up in Narok as tourists flock Maasai Mara

Security has been beefed up in Narok town and its environs during this festive season as local and foreign tourist flock the famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Speaking to KNA Monday, Narok County Police Commander Mr. Thomas Ngeiwa said patrols have been intensified and security personnel are on high alert to ensure residents and visitors enjoy an incident free holiday.
He said traffic checks and patrols on the Nairobi- Narok –Bomet highway have been enhanced to minimize accidents and ensure motorists adhere to the traffic rules.
Narok – Bomett road has become a death trap following a series of accidents experienced on the road in the recent past.
Only last week, four people perished in a grisly road accident along the Nairobi-Narok road,
“We are not taking chances and want to assure the residents and visitors to the Maasai Mara and elsewhere that they are safe and can enjoy their stay here,” Ngeiwa said.
The county where 60 per cent of revenue is derived from tourism, has been receiving hundreds of visitors after security improved in 2018.
Narok County boasts the famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve that is renowned for the spectacular wildebeest migration from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Maasai Mara which has been touted as the eighth wonder of the world and annually attracts tourists in their thousands between July and September.
A number of high profile visitors who have been visiting the country have been coming to the game reserve to witness the spectacular annual wildebeest migration.
Hoteliers who spoke to KNA said the hotels in Maasai Mara Game Reserve have recorded full bookings during this holiday.
But the hoteliers however called upon the County and the National government to do more in tourism promotion abroad and help reduce Visa and Park charges which have been a big hindrance to many visitors.
“Kenya`s charges for tourist Visas, Park charges and taxes are among some of the highest in the world,” they said.
East African governments have come up with a proposal for one common tourist Visa for all the countries hence make tourist destinations affordable.
By Mabel Keya -Shikuku