20 rhinos for Ruma to boost Western tourism
A charged Rhino is walking away after being released from its cage to the Ruma National park on January 27 Photo/Onyango Habil
THE Kenya Wildlife Service has
re-introduced 20 black rhinos at the Ruma National Park to
promote tourism in the Western circuit. The species, which are now endangered, were in the park in the 1950s but were relocated due to
poaching. Forestry and Wildlife minister Noah
Wekesa said the rhinos have been sourced from the Mugie Rhino
Sanctuary and Solio Ranch in laikipia to conserve them and to attract tourists. “Ruma National Park already has distinct
species of animals which can attract many tourists as compared to other regions
but the government is committed to adding more species to attract more tourists,
just like other parks in the country,” he said.
The minister said apart from the black rhinos,
plans are underway to introduce two white Rhinos, 200 zebras, ostriches and 50
wildebeest in the park. Wekesa was speaking when he
presided over relocation of the rhinos in a ceremony attended by KWS Board of Trustees chairman David Mwiraria and director
Julius Kipng’etich. He said the Western Circuit, which
comprises Nyanza and Western provinces, has more rare animal species than other
regions in the country but is sedomly visited as tourists concentrate on
parks with the Big Five (rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo and giraffe).
The minister said the Ruma park,
which hosts the rare roan antelope and the largest number of Rothschild
giraffe, has the potential to raise a lot of revenue if well
stocked. “Ruma National park is the only park in
Kenya which hosts the rare roan antelope and has the highest number of the
Rothschild giraffe in Kenya and by introducing other animals, there will be a
boost in terms of revenue,” said Wekesa.
He said introduction of rhinos and other
animals in the park will enhance and unlock tourism
potential in the region. The minister said the facility should be
aggressively marketed and linked to other tourism sites like the Thim
Lich Oinga, Luo legend Gor Mahia, Lake Victoria, the Luo culture and Homa Hills hot spring in Simbi Nyaima, which are all found within
the county.