Kenya’s Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, shared that Kenyans will enjoy free access to all game parks and reserves across the country on Saturday, September 28, 2024. This initiative is part of the country’s celebration of World Tourism Week, which will officially begin on Monday, September 23, and run until Friday, September 27. The announcement was made on Sunday, September 22, coinciding with World Rhino Day.
The celebration of UN World Tourism Week this year will take place in Kisumu, Kenya, under the theme of promoting sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation. The free park access is aimed at encouraging domestic tourism, allowing citizens to explore the beauty of Kenya’s natural resources and wildlife. Miano urged Kenyans to take advantage of the free access, while also adhering to the code of conduct for game park visitors, which emphasizes respect for wildlife and the environment.
Encouraging Domestic Tourism
The offer of free access to game parks is a strategic move to increase local engagement with Kenya’s rich wildlife heritage. Speaking on the importance of the event, CS Miano emphasized that World Tourism Week is an opportunity for Kenya to join the global community in celebrating the importance of tourism in promoting cultural exchange, economic growth, and environmental conservation.
“Allow me to remind all of us that Kenya will join the global fraternity to celebrate the UN World Tourism Week. The event will be held in Kisumu, and I encourage Kenyans to show up in their numbers and implore them to observe the laid down code of conduct as they tour our parks and reserves,” she said.
By offering free access to parks, the Ministry of Tourism hopes to attract more Kenyans to participate in domestic tourism, which has traditionally been dominated by international visitors. Game parks such as Maasai Mara, Tsavo, and Amboseli are key tourist attractions, renowned for their diverse wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
Celebrating World Rhino Day
The announcement of free park access was made on World Rhino Day, which highlights the importance of rhino conservation. This year’s theme, “Keep the Five Alive,” is a reminder of the five species of rhinos that remain in the world, with Kenya playing a critical role in the protection and preservation of the eastern black rhino.
CS Miano highlighted that Kenya is home to 80% of the eastern black rhino subspecies, with these magnificent creatures found across eight national parks, including Maasai Mara, Sera Community Conservancy, and various private sanctuaries within the Laikipia region. Laikipia, in particular, is home to more than half of Kenya’s total rhino population.
“Besides being a key tourist attraction, rhinos afford support to communities involved in conservation, an opportunity that aligns perfectly with the current administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” Miano noted, referencing the government’s ongoing efforts to engage local communities in conservation initiatives while promoting sustainable economic development.
Government Commitment to Wildlife Conservation
Kenya’s commitment to wildlife conservation remains steadfast, with the government taking active measures to protect endangered species and preserve the country’s biodiversity. Miano emphasized that the government has implemented laws and policies that support wildlife conservation for both current and future generations. This includes the domestication of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
“I assure the global community that Kenya will continue to play her rightful role in wildlife conservation while laying special emphasis on rhino range expansion and conservation,” Miano said.
A Step Towards Sustainable Tourism
World Tourism Week, especially this year’s celebration in Kisumu, offers a platform for Kenya to showcase its commitment to sustainable tourism, which balances the protection of natural resources with the economic benefits that tourism brings to the country. CS Miano urged Kenyans to take pride in the nation’s rich wildlife and natural heritage, encouraging them to participate in the celebration while adhering to environmental protection guidelines.
As part of the broader agenda, free game park access on September 28 is expected to drive significant interest from local tourists, giving them a rare opportunity to experience Kenya’s wildlife without the usual financial barriers. This initiative reflects the government’s efforts to make tourism more inclusive and accessible to all Kenyans, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s natural beauty and the need for its conservation.
With World Tourism Week approaching, Kenyans are encouraged to embrace the spirit of conservation and celebrate the role that tourism plays in promoting environmental awareness, cultural exchange, and sustainable development. The free access to game parks will undoubtedly be a highlight of the week-long festivities, inviting Kenyans from all walks of life to experience and cherish the natural wonders that make Kenya a world-renowned tourist destination.
