- President William Ruto approved luxury hotels in Tsavo National Park and increased tourist fees to increase income for local communities and conservation efforts
- Tourists will now pay between $500 and $1,000 per day, with all lodges required to charge at least Ksh 3,000
- A new carbon trading program covering Tsavo East, West, and Galana Kulalu aims to create more sources of income for surrounding communities
President William Ruto has approved the construction of luxury hotels within the Tsavo National Park and announced an increase in park accommodation fees.
Source: Facebook
This is part of a broader strategy to increase revenue from Kenya’s conservation areas.
Speaking on Tuesday, December 5, during the inauguration of the Tsavo West Rhino Park in Ngulia, Taita Taveta County, Ruto stressed that the move will benefit local communities and the national treasury.
What are the new accommodation rates in Tsavo?
Under the new orders, tourists visiting Tsavo will now face accommodation fees ranging from KSh 64,625 (USD 500) to KSh 129,250 (USD 1,000) per day.
The President also set a minimum accommodation price of KSh 3,000, ensuring that all accommodation within the park meets high standards.
“We have agreed in my instructions to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) that there will be no hotels here that charge KSh 2,000 or KSh 3,000. We want to increase the income so that it reaches the local communities,” Ruto said.
He added that five new luxury hotels are planned, aimed at putting Tsavo on par with world-class safari destinations such as the Maasai Mara.
“I have been informed by KWS that five new luxury hotels will be built here. Tourists visiting will pay between 500 and 1,000 dollars per day. Do you think coming here to see wildlife is a small thing?” Ruto asked.
How will carbon trading benefit local communities?
Apart from tourism, Ruto wanted the development of a comprehensive carbon trading scheme covering Tsavo East and West, as well as the state-owned Galana Kulalu irrigation scheme, and the creation of a joint carbon credit zone.
The program is designed to unlock additional income for surrounding communities.
According to the President, revenue from park fees and carbon trading will be reinvested in wildlife protection and infrastructure, including improvements to wildlife corridors and drought-resistant dams.
KWS and the Ministry of Tourism were tasked with implementing these directives while ensuring that all new developments adhere to international conservation standards.
Source: Facebook
Is the rhinoceros about to shock Ruto?
In a similar incident, Ruto had a difficult time during the inauguration when a newly released rhinoceros nearly shocked him.
The incident happened when he was in a car accompanying a delegation from the United States, and the animal’s sudden movement caused a brief panic.
The rhinoceros quickly approached the car, startling the president and those around him, but security officials immediately intervened to control the situation.
The rhinoceros was quickly led to a safe haven, allowing launch operations to proceed smoothly.
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