In a combined effort towards enhancing conservation whilst boosting mountain tourism, Meru county departments of Environment and Tourism today held a seminar on Meru bongo and Black rhino conservation.

The engagement that brought together various stakeholders, including KWS, KFS and the Lewa Conservation saw Community Forest Associations(CFAs) trained on what to expect, as the county plans to welcome a Meru Bongo from a San Francisco-based conservatory.

Bongo and Black rhino populations globally have been dwindling towards extension. It was on this ground that The Mt Kenya Bongo and Rhino Conservation Trust was set up.

While addressing the media during the forum, Tourism CEC Maingi Mugambi said, “From a tourism standpoint, the county has set up the bongo and rhino trust as a way of raising mountain tourism in Kenya. Kenya is renown for its beaches and safari, but with the re-introduction of the Meru Bongo and Black rhino, we hope to boost tourism to Meru.”

The engagement will see CFAs and other stakeholders educated on the mountain bongo and what to expect in preparation.

The environmental conservation CEC echoed this by adding, “The Bongo trust will play a major role in boosting conservation efforts around Mount Kenya. As a department, we have made tremendous strides towards raising our forest cover and we hope, through this training, to foster a closer working relationship with the Community Forest Associations(CFAs) as we welcome back the Mountain Bongo.”

Governor Kiraitu Murungi yesterday made an inspection tour of Njuri Ncheke Cultural center that is under construction; a cultural center that will be the second largest in the Country after the Bomas of kenya, consisting of a 1500 seater hall,a Cultural exhibition Hall, a studio and a theatre at Njuri Ncheke Shrine grounds in Nchiru.

During the inspection tour, with the company of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Titus Ntuchiu and Njuri-Ncheke National Chairman Linus Kathera, Governor Kiraitu noted the center will be key in promoting Kimeru language, Meru Culture, nurturing youth talent through promoting traditional and modern music at the center, as well as promote cultural identity around the center. The center is funded by the County Government but with additional support by the National Government.

Hon. Ntuchiu highlighted that the hall will not only serve the county, but the entire region and beyond being the second largest in Kenya, as well as promote cultural tourism. The hall will also host various events that will be key in bringing revenue to the center and promote economic activity around the center.

Mr .Kathera praised the Governor for such a noble initiative that would be key in preservation of Meru culture.Also present was the County Secretary, Hon. Rufus Miriti and the Chief of staff, Hon.Gideon Kimathi.

*STEPS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF RHINO AND BONGO SANCTUARY IN MERU ON FINAL PHASE*

The vision by Governor Kiraitu Murungi to expand tourism in Meru through establishment of a rhino and bongo sanctuary on Mt. Kenya at Mucheene and Marania forests is well on course and currently on conclusion phase.

Yeasterday the full board of the Meru Rhino and Bongo Sanctuary Trust held a meeting chaired by the Trust chairman, Mr. John Kinoti and CEC member for Tourism Maingi Mugambi, where they received briefing on the preliminary research findings by the KWS and KFS scientist before the issuance of user license for the project to begin.

KFS top scientists from headquarters in Nairobi led by Head of Forests Health and Biodiversity Mr. James Mwang’ombe, and those from KWS HQ led by Anastasia Mwaura briefed the board on their research findings and requirements that have to be met in the upcoming final phase before the bongo and rhino can be repatriated from California in the United States, and the eventual operationalization of the sanctuary.

Speaking at the function, CEC member Maingi said the massive project is expected to boost the tourism sector in Meru by introducing new products which will in turn, increase tourists flow, introduce new opportunities and contribute in the growth of the County’s economy in line with Governor Kiraitu’s vision of Making Meru Great.

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