The County Government of Embu has initiated the process of assuming control over the management, conservation, and sustainable utilization of the Mwea National Game Reserve from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The Mwea National Game Reserve, located in the Mbeere South Constituency, covers an area of 42 square kilometers. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, zebras, buffaloes, gazelles, and the rare Rothschild giraffe.
Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo described the reserve as a “sleeping giant” with the capacity to transform the county’s financial prospects and establish it as a preferred tourist destination on the global stage.
During the launch of the planning committee responsible for overseeing the takeover process and managing the reserve for the next ten years, the Deputy Governor emphasized that once fully operational, the reserve would generate revenue for the county, create employment opportunities, and benefit the local community and investors.
Efforts will also be made to establish hotels, lodges, and camps that contribute to local community development, promote positive attitudes toward wildlife conservation, and foster tourism development.
Additionally, a marketing board will be established to promote the reserve and transform it into an ultimate tourist destination.
Bakari Mungumi, the KWS Senior Assistant Director in charge of the Mountain Conservation Area, expressed optimism that the new management team would facilitate easier resource management compared to previous years. The KWS’s role will now focus on maintaining security, with capacity building initiatives to be undertaken in preparation for handing over management of the reserve to the county.
Engineer Nebat Muriuki, the local Member of Parliament, lauded the initiative, noting that the revival of the game reserve would bring significant economic benefits to the local community and the country as a whole. He emphasized that as the reserve develops and attracts tourists, the local community would learn to appreciate and value wildlife, thereby reducing conflicts with animals and protecting their crops.
Miss Tourism Africa, Muthoni Kariuki, who hails from the area, welcomed the revival of the reserve as a major boost to the locals’ livelihoods. She called on all stakeholders to participate in conservation efforts by adopting eco-friendly practices such as tree planting and proper waste management.
