On Friday, 22nd March 2024, Kitui County’s Deputy Governor, HE Wambua Kanani, who also serves as the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, Hospitality, and Game Reserves, accompanied the CS for Tourism, Dr. Alfred Mutua, to the Mutomo reptile park. This park aims to be a dual-purpose facility: a tourist attraction and a center for snake venom extraction and research.
HE Kanani highlighted the importance of conserving snake species due to declining biodiversity. He mentioned that the park will house both prominent and rare snake species under conservation efforts.
“With lost biodiversity, some snake species are dwindling. So, here you will find both prominent and rare snake species under conservation.” Said HE Kanani.
Dr. Alfred Mutua emphasized Kitui’s growing role in Kenya’s tourism circuit. He envisions a tourism route that stretches from Mount Kenya, through Kitui, to the Coastal region and onwards to the Mara. The Mutomo reptile park and the venom extraction and research center are expected to enhance this tourism circuit, making Kitui’s conservation initiatives distinctive.
As Kitui is being mapped to join Kenya’s tourism circuit, “From Mount Kenya, through Kitui to the Coastal region then to the Mara, Kitui will be a major tourist destination. And such a reptile park along the way adds value to the circuit voyage. In addition, a venom extraction and research center will make Kitui’s conservation efforts unique.” Said Dr Alfred Mutua.
Governor Dr. Julius Malombe has played a crucial role in positioning Kitui as a desirable tourist destination. With an empowered hospitality industry, improved game viewing access roads, the upcoming Mutomo reptile park, and renewed conservation efforts, Kitui aims to attract wildlife-based tourism in South Kitui and Mwingi game reserves.
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