New Narok-Sekenani road to boost tourism

The upgrade of the Sh3 billion Narok-Sekenani Gate road to bitumen standards has boosted domestic tourism in the Maasai Mara game reserve.

The completion of the 86-kilometre road is expected to boost economic activities around the reserve.

Before the pandemic, the road was always very busy as many tourists travelled there to witness the annual wildebeest migration.

The Mara was ranked the best wildlife reserve in Africa for the sixth time running last year by the World Travel Awards, raising chances of an increased flow of tourists.

“Transport links between the Mara and other towns have now improved leading to a marked increase in the number of domestic and international tourists,” said Mr Moniko Olenoongipa, a tour guide.

Since the establishment of Maasai Mara in 1958, this is the first major highway to be constructed and is expected to ease access to the park and boost tourism, which earns the Narok County, at least Sh2.73 billion in revenue annually.

“Following its completion, we are already seeing many people touring the Mara because the roads are good,” said Tour Guides and Drivers Association Secretary Felix Migoya.

The road is part of the Narok County government’s ambitious plan to revitalise the world-famous reserve in a bid to double tourist numbers in one year.

Top in its plans is to diversify the options offered by the game reserve. During its high season between June and September, hotels record 100 percent booking only for visitors to dwindle so much that some facilities close during low seasons.

Governor Samwel Tunai told the Nation that the county will bank on Maasai culture, the improvement of the six airstrips, and the tarmacking of the road to promote all-year-round visits.

“We are keen to sell the Mara as a premier holiday destination, the eighth wonder of the world due to the wildebeest migration, and as a destination for filmmakers,” said Mr Tunai.