FLAGSHIP PROJECTS
Underutilised Parks Initiative
PROJECT PROFILE
The project consists of upgrading underutilized Parks by improving facilities and infrastructure in order to increase utilization and revenue.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Status:
Commenced
Implementing Ministry (MDAS):
Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife
Location:
Nationwide
Sector:
Tourism
MTP Target:
To upgrade underutilized parks for increasing revenue and utilization.
Annual Target:
- 600 km rehabilitation.
- To have six new lodges and 10% increase of visitors.
- Kenya Wildlife Services to finalize construction of Eco-lodges in Kakamega and Ruma National Park.
- Completion in the construction of Kisumu Impala Eco-lodge.
PROJECT PROGRESS
To this end, rehabilitation and branding for the Kisumu Impala Eco-lodge is complete. Via Ferrata climbing trail on Mt. Kenya and technical rock climbing area improved. The particular route can now be used by more people of differing abilities.
Refurbishment of guesthouses – the process of refurbishment of six houses is underway. These are in L.Nakuru, Amboseli, Shimba Hills, Kisite Marine Park, Tsavo West & Aberdares. In 2012/13 Meru National Park houses will be completed. Nine new lodges will be constructed in the Meru conservation area between years 2009 – 2014. The lodges will target the medium to high end tourist market. Total number of beds in the area at the end of the period will be 380. Through Private Public Partnership, KWS embarked on development of additional accommodation aimed at the domestic market.
Refurbishment of guesthouses – the process of refurbishment of six houses is underway. These are in L.Nakuru, Amboseli, Shimba Hills, Kisite Marine Park, Tsavo West & Aberdares. In 2012/13 Meru National Park houses will be completed. Nine new lodges will be constructed in the Meru conservation area between years 2009 – 2014. The lodges will target the medium to high end tourist market. Total number of beds in the area at the end of the period will be 380. Through Private Public Partnership, KWS embarked on development of additional accommodation aimed at the domestic market.
A total of 13 sites were offered for construction and lease, so far only 2 sites in Aberdares N.Park and Hells Gate have been taken up. Nine sites have been identified for development in Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Chyullu National Parks.
A site prospectus was developed for distribution to private investors. The sites were identified through the Protected Area Planning Framework which is now being used in all KWS parks and reserves to guide management. Only 4 sites were taken up.
Western Conservation Area (Ndere Island, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary and Ruma National Park) development of tented camps in the area and should be complete by June 2013. This will provide an additional 72 beds targeted at the high end market. The new accommodation in areas such as Ndere and Impala sanctuary will attract visitors to these underutilized parks.
Ndere Island National Park and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary have been branded. Marketing initiatives for Kakamega Forest and Hells Gate national reserves have been initiated, resulting in a 50% increase in local tourists. Construction of new cottages is underway in Kakamega Forest, as is the improvement of camp sites within the forest. Branding of Shimba Hills National Park and Mt. Kenya National Park are ongoing.
Infrastructure improvement, including refurbishment of gates, signage, campsite and visitors facilities, offices and staff houses has been done and rangers’ houses and staff ablution blocks have been constructed.
OBJECTIVE
To market and increase visitor flow in parks with potential but underutilized currently the overall aim being to improve facilities and increase revenue.
BENEFITS
- Utilization of parks.
- Improvement of facilities and infrastructure.
- Increased revenue.
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