Balala names connectivity taskforce on Nairobi park

The government has formed a taskforce to address challenges facing Nairobi National Park.

 The  taskforce  on Wildlife Corridor Connectivity between Nairobi National Park and Athi River Kapiti Plains will be chaired by Dr. Helen Gichohi. 

Tourism Cabinet Secretary,  Najib Balala said the taskforce is expected to present its report within three month.

It is expected to clearly indicate where corridors will be created to enable wildlife to migrate freely from Nairobi national Park to Swara-Kapiti plains.

During the inauguration of the taskforce over the weekend, Balala termed it a historic moment that will see the size of the park increase from 29,000 acres to 78,000 acres.

“This is after the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Swara Plains Conservancy declared 32,000 and 15,000 acres of land respectively for wildlife conservation in Machakos County,” said Balala.

He said the government has also added 2,000 acres of land from Sheep and Goat Ranch to Nairobi National Park whose title will be under the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

Nairobi National Park, which prides itself as the only park in a Capital City in the world, has been facing serious challenges due to infrastructure and human development.

Land grabbing, fragmentation, fencing and developments on the southern side of the Park has threatened wildlife despite it being Kenya’s rhino sanctuaries.

The sanctuary is already generating a stock for reintroduction in other parks,  reserves and other upcoming sanctuaries.

Balala said the government extension of the park will enable it be listed as world heritage.