Hon. Peninah Malonza (EGH), the Cabinet Secretary for EAC, ASALs, and Regional Development, announced on Sunday, 7th April 2024, that counties hosting game parks and reserves will receive 30% of the incoming Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers recruitment drive.
Highlighting the unique position of Kitui County, Hon. Malonza emphasized that its eight constituencies were particularly qualified to provide a higher number of officers. The abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems in the region made it an ideal training ground for future KWS officers, creating employment opportunities and fostering a culture of conservation among the local populace.
She made these remarks during a fundraiser at Tulia AIC to complete the DCC’s Office in Mutonguni ward, Kitui West.
This policy aims to strengthen conservation efforts and ensure that the local communities directly benefits from the wildlife resources in their vicinity.
The recent announcement by Hon. Peninah Malonza (EGH) was not an isolated initiative but rather a part of a broader vision for the transformation of Kitui County into a prominent hub for tourism and conservation. Just a few weeks prior, the Kitui Government had taken significant steps towards this ambitious goal by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Tourism and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The tripartite agreement was aimed at revamping regional tourism, generating substantial revenue for Kitui County, and elevating Kenya’s status as an attractive tourism destination on the global stage. Two major projects were at the heart of this collaborative effort: the establishment of a campus for Utalii College and the creation of a Rhino sanctuary.
The Rhino sanctuary, to be managed by KWS, will be situated in the pristine surroundings of South Kitui National Game Reserve. This sanctuary will not only serve as a safe haven for endangered rhinoceros species but also as a flagship conservation area that showcases the rich biodiversity of the region. It will become a focal point for eco-tourism, attracting nature enthusiasts and conservationists from around the world.
On the educational front, the partnership aims to set up a state-of-the-art campus for Utalii College a few kilometres outside Kitui town. This institution will offer specialized training programs in tourism and hospitality management, equipping the local youth with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the burgeoning tourism industry. The Utalii campus will also serve as a research hub, fostering innovation and promoting best practices in sustainable tourism development.
Together, these initiatives represent a holistic approach to tourism and conservation, intertwining economic growth with environmental stewardship. By leveraging its natural assets and investing in education and infrastructure, Kitui County is laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future. The collaborative efforts between the local government, Ministry of Tourism, and KWS are poised to unlock the untapped potential of the region, setting a precedent for responsible tourism and wildlife conservation across Kenya.
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