Chongqing Municipal Government donated cameras, binoculars and
other equipment to Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The donations are aimed at
tracking down poachers as well as monitoring animal movements at the reserve.
Sun Zhengcai, a member of the political bureau of the
communist party of China and Secretary of the Chongqing City, presented the equipment
to Narok county governor Samuel Ole Tunai at a ceremony held at Keekorok Lodge.
Also present during the ceremony were Principal Secretaries Ibrahim Mohammed (Tourism),
Richard Lesyambe (Environment), KWS director William Kiprono and Kenya Tourism
Board (KTB) managing director Muriithi Ndegwa.
A partnership agreement on tourism and trade between the
county and the Chinese Municipality was also signed in a ceremony that was
witnessed by Judy Wakhungu the Environment Cabinet Secretary.
While receiving the equipment, Tunai acknowledged that the
donations will help fight poaching and added that the county would employ more
rangers to help in the anti-poaching fight. He urged the local communities
around the reserve to help in the fight and effectively participate in wildlife
conservation because it is their heritage and source of income. He also noted
that the number of Chinese visitors to the park stands at 50,000 and was
optimistic it could hit 100,000 by end year.
Source: Standard Digital
