The Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, together with the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Sylvia Museyia, have today paid a courtesy call to H.E. Governor Patrick Keturet Ole Ntutu at the Maasai Mara National Reserve .

During the courtesy call, the trio participated in a live interview with CGTN Africa during which they highlighted the Maasai Mara National Reserve as a premier tourist destination and discussed the conservation measures being implemented at the Reserve.

Governor Ntutu underscored Narok County’s ongoing collaboration with the national government to enhance the global appeal of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. He emphasized the strategies that the County Government of Narok has put in place with an aim of mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, including the installation of deterrent and predator-proof fencing around vulnerable communities and livestock areas. These initiatives have significantly reduced instances of wildlife encroachment.

” Additionally, the county government has launched community awareness programs to educate residents on the importance of wildlife conservation and safe co-existence practices. These programs offer practical advice on avoiding conflicts with wildlife. To manage damages caused by wildlife, the county has established consolation and conflict resolution mechanisms, ensuring grievances are addressed fairly and promptly, ” Remarked Governor Ntutu.

During the interview, Governor Ntutu elaborated some of the notable achievements that have been attributed to the initiatives being implemented by the County Government including the establishment and expansion of community conservancies within Narok County. These conservancies have not only protected wildlife but have also provided economic benefits to local communities through Eco-tourism and employment opportunities. For instance, the Olare Motorogi Conservancy has witnessed a significant reduction in human-wildlife conflicts due to predator-proof fencing and robust community engagement.

Matters community involvement in conservation; the three management plans that have provided a framework for balancing tourism growth with conservation efforts; anti-poaching initiatives that have been put in place at the Mara; the implementation of the SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) technology that has facilitated real-time data collection and analysis on wildlife and human activities, enabling quick responses to threats and more efficient resource management were discussed at length.

From the interview, the integration of advanced technology, community involvement, and strategic planning were highlighted as some of the key initiatives that have positioned Narok County as a leader in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.