It is a boost to the tourism sector in Nakuru following the launch of Boat Safaris at Lake Nakuru National Park.
The launch at the Cliff Nakuru within Lake Nakuru National Park and presided over by Chief Administrative Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife IG (rtd) Joseph Boinet comes after a long journey of 4 years in the making.
Speaking during the launch, Chief Administrative Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife IG (rtd) Joseph Boinet called on Kenyans to embrace local tourism adding that it is key to the economy of the country.
“It is time that we embrace the local tourism and support our own facilities. Let us not rely so much on foreigners” he said.
The CAS revealing that with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife developed new policy mechanisms to comply with the new norm protocols.
He called on tourism and wildlife facilities to ensure they conform to the new protocols.
“As a Ministry, we have developed mechanisms to comply with the COVID-19 protocols and we are appealing to all facilities to ensure the same,” said Boinet.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui on his part lauding the Cliff Nakuru for setting up the facility and also coming up with the idea of Boat Safaris adding that it is a plus to Nakuru County.
While noting that Nakuru is a brilliant trade and tourism destination, Kinyanjui stated that the establishment was a good move but more so the natural ecosystem is taken care of.
He reiterated the County government’s commitment towards supporting the tourism sector that has been greatly affected by COVID-19 pandemic.
“Nakuru County is a brilliant tourism destination. The launch of Boat Safaris experience is welcome and we shall develop the product as days go by. As a county we shall do anything possible to support the tourism sector that has been affected by COVID-19 pandemic” said Kinyanjui.
On the issue of the rising water in various Lakes in Rift valley region including Lake Nakuru and Naivasha, Kinyanjui said the county is greatly concerned on the impact to human livelihood.
It is for this reason that he called on the National government to think of a relocation plan for families affected.
“We ask the national government to come up with relocation plan through compensation so that the land can be taken over by KWS and the people compensated to a higher place,” he said.
The County boss also making an appeal to Nakuru residents and Kenyans at large to embrace domestic tourism.
Kinyanjui stating, “The traditional perception of tourism just being a coast thing should be a thing of past and we should start focusing on making good use of our attraction sites in our county.”
Sentiments echoed by Nakuru County Trade and Tourism CECM Raymond Komen.
According to Komen, his docket is now working towards promoting local tourism in Nakuru County.
Assistant Director Central Rift KWS Dickson Katoliki Ritan assuring locals that Lake Nakuru National Park is the top of conservation and is accessible.
According to Africa Eco Wilderness Group Sales & Marketing Manager Samuel Maobe, it took a long time to mitigate environmental aspects/logistical challenges and safety aspects.
He commended Kenya Wildlife Service for the support towards acquiring licenses from NEMA and Ministry.
The move will see a high end and unique experience- first ever experience in Lake Nakuru.
Boat Safaris last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes and will enable riders to have a view of Lake Nakuru from a different angle with fantastic experience for birdlife & Game viewing/Natural scenery.
The ride is divided into two categories: Morning game ride served with a hot champagne breakfast and evening game drive served with sundowners and biting.
Those wishing to book Cliff Boat Safaris can contact 0702600602/0702600604 or visit www.cliffboatsafaris.com.