Mtito Andei: Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General (DG) Prof. Erastus Kanga have jointly laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Makueni County Conservation Resource Centre at Mtito Andei town. The resource centre will include a conference hall and various administrative and liaison offices, serving as an educational and training hub for local residents.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative is part of a strategic plan to enhance local development and address human-wildlife conflicts. Prof. Kanga highlighted that the resource centre will provide a venue for residents to hold meetings free of charge, with KWS officers on hand to provide education on resolving conflicts related to wildlife interactions. KWS also plans to support economic development by constructing kiosks for women and unemployed youth, allowing them to conduct business and generate income.
Prof. Kanga also announced plans to station a drone at the centre to gather data on human-wildlife conflicts. He urged political leaders to avoid divisive politics that could hinder the development of the area. The DG also warned individuals who have encroached on government land to vacate, emphasizing that this directive would be enforced.
Governor Mutula emphasized that the resource centre will play a significant role in boosting tourism, thereby creating employment opportunities for the youth and women in the area. He noted that tourists will benefit from services offered at the facility and from local businesses, fostering economic growth. The centre will also mitigate the long distances residents currently travel to report wildlife-related issues, providing a more accessible location for conflict resolution.
Governor Mutula drew parallels with similar infrastructure in Laikipia and Narok, which have successfully boosted local economies through tourism. He expressed optimism that the new centre will have a similar impact on Makueni County, enhancing both tourism and local business sectors.