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Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Rebecca Miano, embarked on an inaugural game drive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve to assess the tourism infrastructure and visitor facilities following recent floods. The game drive, which took place amid the annual spectacle of the Great Migration, also featured a live streaming event organized by the China Media Group, aiming to showcase the significance of this natural phenomenon to Kenya’s economy.
The event was a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the County Government of Narok, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the Kenya Tourism Board. The Great Migration, one of the most significant wildlife spectacles globally, plays a crucial role in attracting tourists to Kenya and boosting the country’s economy.
During her visit, CS Miano inspected the condition of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure within the reserve, which had been affected by the recent floods. She also evaluated the state of visitor facilities to ensure they meet the standards expected by both local and international tourists.
Accompanying CS Miano were key figures in the tourism and wildlife sectors, including the Principal Secretary of the Department of Wildlife, PS Museiya; KWS Director General, Dr. Erustus Kanga; and Magical Kenya CEO, June Chepkemei. The delegation was hosted by Narok County Governor, H.E. Patrick Ole Ntutu, alongside senior county officials and representatives from the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association, led by Daniel ole Sopia.
Speaking during the event, CS Miano emphasized the importance of maintaining and upgrading the Maasai Mara’s infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience and ensure the sustainable management of the reserve. She also highlighted the vital role that the Great Migration plays in positioning Kenya as a top global tourism destination.
“The Great Migration is not just a natural wonder; it is a key driver of our tourism industry, contributing significantly to our economy. We must continue to preserve this treasure by ensuring our infrastructure and facilities are up to standard, even in the face of challenges like the recent floods,” Miano stated.
The live streaming event by the China Media Group, which captured the breathtaking scenes of the wildebeest migration, was aimed at promoting Kenya’s tourism offerings to a global audience, particularly in China, one of Kenya’s largest source markets for tourists.
Governor Ntutu expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife for their continued support in promoting the Maasai Mara and ensuring the welfare of both the wildlife and the communities living around the reserve.
The visit underscored the government’s commitment to preserving Kenya’s natural heritage and ensuring that the Maasai Mara continues to thrive as a world-renowned tourist destination.
