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Committee on Tourism and Natural Resources Report on County Tourists Sites Visit

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

OFFICE OF THE CLERK

COUNTY ASSEMBLY OF KITUI ---------------------------

KITUI COUNTY

FIRST ASSEMBLY – THIRD SESSION - 2015

---------------------

COMMITTEE

ON

TOURISM & NATURAL RESOURCES

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A REPORT ON THE KITUI COUNTY TOURISTS SITES TOUR VISIT -------------------------------------------------

Clerk’s Chambers,

Kitui County Assembly Buildings,

KITUI.

NOVEMBER, 2015


TABLE OF CONTENT PAGE 1.0 Acronyms and abbreviations………………………………………….2 2.0 Preface……………………………………………………………………..3 3.0 Committee membership …………………………..........................3 4.0 Committee mandate…………………………………………………....3-4 5.0 Main Challenges……………………………………………….............4 6.0 Acknowledgement……………………………………………………….5-6 7.0 Adoption……………………………………………………………………7 8.0 Committee findings / Observations and recommendations …..8

8.1 Mutomo Hills Plant Sanctuary………………………….......8 8.1.1 Brief Overview……………………………………….8 8.1.2 Findings/observations……………………………8 8.1.3 Recommendations………………………………….9

8.2 Nzambani rock…………………………………………...........9 8.2.1 Findings……………………………………............9 8.2.2 Recommendations………………………………...10

8.3 Yanzuu rock……………………………………………..........10 8.3.1 Findings……………………………………………..10 8.3.2 Recommendations………………………………...10

8.4 Kavia rock……………………………………………………….11 8.4.1 Findings……………………………………………..11 8.4.2 Recommendations…………………………………11

8.5 Ikoo valley……………………………………………………….11 8.5.1 Findings………………………………………………12 8.5.2 Recommendations………………………………….12

8.6 Mumoni Forest Reserve………………………………………12 8.6.1 Findings………………………………………………12 8.6.2 Recommendations………………………………….13 8.7 Ciampiu Grand Falls……………………………………........13 8.7.1 Findings……………………………………….........13 8.7.2 Recommendations………………………………….13-14 8.8 Mwingi National Reserve/ Kora National Park……………14

8.8.1 Masyungwa revenue collection gate…………...14 8.8.2 Adamson’s revenue collection gate……………..14 8.8.3 Kora National park H/Qs…………………………14 8.8.4 Adamson’s falls/Picnic site……………………….15

8.8.5 Findings……………………………………………….15-16 8.8.6 Recommendations…………………………………..16 8.9 Tei wa Yesu/ Gai Rock………………………………………….16-17 8.9.1 Findings………………………………………………16

8.9.2 Recommendations………………………………….16 8.0.1 Ngomeni rock…………………………………………………..17

8.0.1 Findings………………………………………………18 8.0.2 Recommendations………………………………….18 8.0.2 Ukasi Rock…………………………………………….............18 8.2.1 Recommendations………………………………….18-19 9.0 Annexes…………………………………………………………...............20-32


ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

KFS………………………..Kenya Forest Services

MHPS………………………Mutomo Hills Plant Sanctuary

KWS………………………..Kenya Wildlife Service

M.O.U………………………Memorandum of Understanding MNR…………………………Mwingi National Reserve

H/Qs…………………………..Head Quarters


PREFACE

Mr Speaker Sir,

On behalf of the select committee on Tourism and Natural resources and pursuant to the provisions of the standing order 180(6), it is my pleasant privilege and pleasure to present to this House the report of the tourism and

natural resources committee on the findings of the county tourists sites tour visit. The trip took place from 1st to 5th October 2015.

Committee membership

Mr Speaker Sir,

The Committee on Tourism and Natural Resources, is one of the newly

constituted sectoral committee which was constituted through a resolution of

this House on 21st July, 2015 and it comprises of the following members:-

1. Hon. Angeline M. Muthui, MCA Chairperson 2. Hon. Mary P. Ndumbu, MCA vice chairperson

3. Hon Patrick Mutua, MCA Member 4. Hon Grogan Tito Mbivi, MCA Member

5. Hon Robinson Mativo, MCA Member

6. Hon. Stephen K. Wambua, MCA Member

7. Hon. Jeniffer Munuve, MCA Member

8. Hon. Angela Kanza, MCA Member

9. Hon. Bernard M. Munyasya, MCA Member

Committee’s Mandate

The select Committee on Tourism and Natural resources derives its mandate from provisions of Standing Order 191 (5) which defines functions of the committee as to, inter alia; to:-

a) Make reports and recommendations to the County Assembly as often as possible, including recommendation of proposed legislation.

b) Investigate, inquire into, and report on all matters relating to the mandate, management, activities, administration, operations and estimates of the assigned departments;

c) Investigate and inquire into all matters relating to the assigned departments as they may deem necessary, and as may be referred to them

by the County Assembly; d) The Committees may propose to the County Assembly, sanctions against

any member of the County Executive Committee who fails to report to the


relevant select Committee on implementation status without justifiable reasons.

e) Study and review all county legislation referred to it. f) Study the programme and policy objectives of departments and the

effectiveness of the implementation.

Mr. Speaker Sir, The major challenges experienced by the Committee while executing its

mandate were as follows;

Failure to get to projects/sites on time due to the pathetic conditions of roads in most parts of the county which also subjected the members to a

bumpy ride leaving them totally exhausted and some feeling unwell. Failure by the committee to visit all the sites as shown in the itinerary due

to insecurity concerns in some areas like Mutha, South Kitui Game

reserves. Time constraints also affected the itinerary of the committee prompting it

postpone visiting some sites like Mutitu and Endau forest reserves.

Poor road signs/ directional signs within the reserve protected areas which hindered movement of members. At several occasions, members would

lose direction leading to time waste in locating the correct direction. Uncooperative KWS staffs who at some point become arrogant to member

and ignored to show members directions within the parks.

However, it is the Committee’s sincere hope that appropriate measures will

be taken to address those kind of challenges in future in order to ease the work of committees while handling field assignments.

The above notwithstanding, the Committee discharged its duties as provided by the Standing Orders and the desire to conduct tour visits to county tourists attraction sites as it was envisioned.

Mr Speaker Sir, in carrying out the task, the committee used the following

methods to grasp the information it needed:- Direct observation of the Sites/projects. Oral interviewing of the stakeholds and County executive staff who had

accompanied the committee during the tour. Recording of information and observations and

Taking photos of the Sites/projects.


Acknowledgements

Mr Speaker Sir,

T h e Committee wishes to thank the Offices of the Speaker and the Clerk of the County Assembly for the invaluable support and assistance extended

to it during the execution of its mandate. The Chairperson of the Committee takes this opportunity to thank all

members of the Committee for their patience, Sacrifice, endurance and Commitment to Public Service under tight schedules which enabled us to complete the task within the stipulated period.

T h e Committee wishes to record i t s appreciation for services rendered by

the staff of the County Assembly attached to the Committee. Their efforts and input made the work of the Committee and production of this Report possible.

Similarly, the committee extends its appreciation to the one Mr. Ferdinand Kathenge, Assistant Director Ministry of Tourism for his

prodigious support and guidance he offered to the committee on the technical aspects of the projects/sites which was necessary to enable the

committee make informed decisions regarding its findings and recommendations during the five (5) days tour visit.

BACKGROUND

Mr Speaker Sir,

In undertaking the tour visit, the committee acted within the provisions of

Article 185 (3) of the Constitution which states that;

‘’ a County Assembly, while respecting the principle of the

separation of powers, may exercise oversight over the County

Executive committee and any other County Executive organs;

Thus it was on the basis of fulfilling this constitutional requirement that the committee carried out this tour visit, to help members to the newly constituted committee on Tourism and Natural resources, acquaint themselves with the

existing county tourists’ sites within Kitui County, with a view of coming up with a viable recommendations on how to promote Kitui County as a tourist destination to generate revenue and spur economic growth.

The five-day tour visit covered the following County tourist’s attractions sites as

shown in the itinerary below;


Mr. Speaker Sir,

Finally, it is now my pleasant duty, on behalf of the Committee on Tourism and Natural Resources, to present and commend this Report for immediate consideration and adoption by the House. The Committee also requests the

House to make the resolutions proposed in this Report.

Thank you, SIGNED …………………………………………

(HON. ANGELINE M. MUTHUI, MCA)

CHAIRPERSON,

DATE: this 19th day of November, 2015

DAY SUB COUNTY DATE SITE / PROJECT

1 Kitui East &

Kitui South

1st Oct,

2015

i. Mutomo Hill Plant Sanctuary –

Mutomo Ward. ii. Nzambani Rock – Nzambani Ward.

2 Mwingi West

& Kitui East

2nd Oct,

2015

i. Yanzuu Rock – Nzambani Ward.

ii. Kavia Rock- Chulluni Ward iii. Ikoo valley – Migwani Ward

3 Mwingi North 3rd Oct, 2015

i. Mumoni Forest – Mumoni Ward ii. Ciampiu Grand Falls – Tharaka

Ward

4 Mwingi North 4th Oct, 2015

i. Mwingi Game Reserve - Tseikuru ii. Tei Wa Yesu/Gai Rock – Kyuso

Ward

5 Mwingi

Central & Mwingi North

5th Oct,

2015

i. Ngomeni rock – Ngomeni Ward

ii. Ukasi Rocks – Nguni ward


CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE REPORT BY THE COMMITTEE

We, the undersigned Members of the Committee on Tourism and Natural

resources, having considered this Report on the committee tour visits to tourist’s sites in the County, do hereby confirm our agreement with the content of the Report and request the Chairperson to present the Report to this House for

adoption.

Members’ Name Signature

1. Hon. Angeline M. Muthui, MCA ……………………………………….

2. Hon. Mary P. Ndumbu, MCA ……………………………………….

3. Hon Patrick Mutua, MCA ………………………………………..

4. Hon Grogan Tito Mbivi, MCA ………………………………………..

5. Hon Robinson Mativo, MCA …………………………………………

6. Hon. Stephen K. Wambua, MCA ………………………………………….

7. Hon. Jeniffer Munuve, MCA …………………………………………

8. Hon. Angela Kanza, MCA …………………………………………

9. Hon. Bernard M. Munyasya, MCA ………………………………………..


COMMITTEE FINDINGS/OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

1. MUTOMO HILLS PLANT SANCTUARY (MHPS)–MUTOMO WARD Brief overview

Mr. Speaker Sir, The Mutomo Hills Plant Sanctuary measures approximately 10 hectares in size

and it was gazetted in 1966. It lies in less than a kilometer from Mutomo town. The sanctuary is currently being managed by the County Government of Kitui. It is also close to Tsavo East National Park and South Kitui Game Reserve and

just along Kibwezi-Kitui Road-making it fall within the proposed Tourism circuit in the County.

This sanctuary is rich in plant diversity including several plants of medicinal value like ficus sycomorus, ficuss vasta and acacia brevispica as well as indigenous species of trees and snakes.

The hills also has rock water catchment which was done during the colonial period which collects water from the rocks for domestic use by the residents.

Findings/Observations The committee made the following;

1. The Hills top offers a great views of the Mutomo Plant hills sanctuary which offers an ideal site for nature trail.

2. There are houses at the foot of the hills which were constructed during the colonial days and which sheltered game wardens then but currently they are dilapidated (refer to the photo annexed as figure 1 annexed in this report)

3. The County ministry of Tourism targets to introduce a Botanical garden,

Snake Park, nature trail, small Eco-lodge and a resource center for Universities and colleges in this area to make the sanctuary more attractive to both local and international tourist.

4. In addition, the ministry has apportioned Kshs. 9.5 million this financial year 2015/2016 for fencing the important sanctuary to check encroachment by people and livestock.

5. Further there are plans by the Tourism ministry plans to establish a reptile

park at the sanctuary. The committee has established that the Ksh 10

million budget for the project has been factored in this financial year

(2015/2016.

6. The tourism ministry has set aside another Ksh. 10 million to cater for

planting of new tree species and installation of the other required

infrastructure at the sanctuary in a bid to raise its profile.

7. The committee also found that recently, the county officials had

apprehended encroachers who were caught digging holes near the

dilapidated house and who were believed to have been extracting some

minerals from the area.


Recommendations From the above findings/ observations, the committee makes the following

recommendations; 1. The County Ministry of Tourism should set aside some funds to refurbish

the dilapidated structures within the sanctuary and use them as staff-houses for the County game rangers.

2. The County Executive should deploy game rangers in the site to protect

and manned the area from illegal destruction and extraction of minerals. 3. There is need for the Ministry to hasten the process of fencing the entire

sanctuary to enhance security within the sanctuary.

4. The County ministry should also invest heavily in research works to determine the presence of alleged minerals in the sanctuary.

2. NZAMBANI ROCK- NZAMBANI WARD

Members visited Nzambani rock, a land mark for Kitui County which is

surrounded with myth that adds to its touristic potential. The rock is located 10kms East of Kitui town. It outcrops to a height of about 100m above the

ground level. There is a metal stairway constructed for visitors to use when climbing to the top of the steep sloped rock.

Findings The committee found that;

i) The County Government has purchased 3 acres piece of land at the foot

of the rock at a cost of ksh 1.24 million from the one Mr Philip Masila. This amount is inclusive of expenses for surveying of the land.

ii) The County ministry plans to establish a handcraft center to assist locals who are gifted in craft work in showcasing their products and selling the same to the visiting tourists.

iii) Plans are also underway by the Tourism Ministry to erect modern climbing structures/staircases at the rock to ease climbing by tourists. This will particularly encourage the tourists with phobia for high levels

to be climbing the rock without much fear. This is estimated to cost Ksh. 15 million.

iv) The ministry is in talks with another farmer who owns a piece of land at the foot of the rock, to secure another 4 acres piece of land for construction of hotels and lodgings with swimming pools.

v) Other proposed activities by the ministry includes rock climbing, nature trail around the rock to attract nature seekers, introduce/

restock wildlife species like zebra, giraffes, grant gazelles, impala and Ostrich.


Recommendations The committee recommends that;

1. The County Executive should put proper mechanism for marketing the site including but not limited to internet marketing to attract more

foreign visitors to the site. 2. The County Executive should also plan to put up modern Hotel and

lodgings facilities within the site.

3. That, the area lacks adequate space for restocking it with wildlife and thus, the county Ministry should instead invest in Hotels and other structures.

However, the committee comments the county government for demonstrating commitment to promote the previously neglected rock as a key tourist

destination. This is exhibited by setting aside some budget to undertake various activities aimed at giving the tourist site a facelift.

3. YANZUU ROCK- This rock located near kamala shopping center is ideal for tourist attraction. It

has a gentle slope thus making it easy to ascent and descent. The rock extends for about 1 km in length and 200m in breadth. At the top, the rock has large flat surface area which can be developed for various touristic values.

The committee learnt that the rock was named Yanzuu because area residents used to dry and thresh their cow-peas at the top of this rock.

Findings The committee found that;

1. The rock has a unique flat surface at the top which creates a unique

sporting ground.

2. The ministry is planning to develop the rock for sporting activities like table tennis or volley ball games at the top flat surface.

3. The rock is an ideal place for rock climbing and camping.

4. No funds have been allocated this financial year (2015/2016) for any development activities around the rock.

Recommendations The committee recommends that;

1. The Ministry should consider putting up Picnic site at the flat topped surface of the rock.

2. The ministry should invest in indoor games as opposed to volley ball because the flat topped surface is very windy thus ruling out the possibilities of volley ball game as viable sporting activity on this rock.

3. The ministry should also put up a climbing structure to make it easy for people who may wish to ascend to the top.


4. KAVIA ROCK-CHULLUNI WARD

From Yanzuu rock, members visited Kavia rock which is near Kavia secondary

school. The rock has prehistoric caves where the local community used to take

small portions of the crop harvest through a ritual of beating drums. All foods

taken to the shrines were left to the cave. Mr. David Siasa together with three

boys from the neighborhood, aided members in ascending and descending the

rock with vigor to access the caves and made the following observations;

1. That the ancient caves bears unique marks of human rips, fingers, and

foot prints.

2. Adjacent to the cave, there is a natural pot which is believed to have

mythical history. This natural pot stores water and it is believed that when

the water dries, it symbolizes that there will be drought in that year.

3. The ministry is proposing to erect rock climbing staircase to ease rock

climbing to the visitors.

4. The rock also serves as a Kamba shrine where the locals would go to give

thanks as a result of bumper harvest.

5. The land near the caves has been encroached by the local residents.

Recommendations

The committee recommends that;

1. The ministry should consider putting up a modern staircase in the rock to

make it easier for tourist to ascend and descend the rock to the cave with

ease.

2. The ministry needs to put proper measures to prevent the area from being

grabbed by unscrupulous individuals.

5. IKOO VALLEY-MIGWANI WARD

This is an extensive scenic site which is located about 48 kms from Kitui town

and 30kms from Mwingi town. It overlooks Kea area to the south, the Mutito

Hills and Zombe are in the Far East. The Valley also forms the origin of river Ikoo

which runs east wards towards the Mui Basin. The valley has been a great help

to local schools for geography lessons. Research shows that in the late 70’s, the

valley was covered with very thick and dense vegetation which was cleared in

early 80’s to create land for settlements and farming. The valley has three key

viewing points;

a) Bazaa area near Migwani shopping center which is a private land.

b) Kaluu area which is also on a private land.

c) Migwani area in Ulamba which is about 1 km from Migwani town which

is a County Government land.


Findings/Observations

1. The ministry plans to put up a curio shops at the view point of Migwani

area in Ulamba.

2. The valley is an ideal place for filming, video shooting and photography if

proper landscaping can be done.

Recommendations

1. The County Ministry should engage land owners in the three viewpoints

i.e. Kaluu Ulamba and Bazaa with a view to purchase pieces land and

develop them to elaborate view point for tourist.

2. The Ministry should also plan to undertake massive tree planting in the

valley to afforest the area.

6. MUMONI FOREST RESERVE-MUMONI WARD

Mumoni forest reserve which is located in Musosya Sub-location, Nguuku

Location, Mumoni Ward, covers an area of about 10440.9 hectares. This forest

reserve was gazzeted on 30th July 1993 as dry land. It has both plantation and

indigenous trees and it’s managed by Kenya Forest Service (KFS).

Findings

1. The forest which has been an important water tower for the densely

populated area in Mwingi North from two major springs, is no longer

supplying this water due to enormous tree logging which has led to the

drying of these springs.

2. The piped water from the forest has dried up and the pipes broken by

forest encroachers thus living locals without water for domestic use.

3. The structures at the foot of Mumoni Hills which are supposed to serve as

offices to KFS staffs, are no longer inhabitable. Roof tops have curved in

for some of the structures. (See the annexed photos in figure 9 elsewhere in this

report)

4. Currently, massive tree logging is ongoing at the roof top of the hills carried

by a private business persons who claimed that they were awarded tenders

to harvest timber from the forest. (see Photos annexed as figure 6 and 7)

5. That the Ministry of Tourism plans to establish activities such as bird

watching sites, nature trails due to its good mountain scenery and hiking.

6. Further, the Ministry plans to develop hotels through public-private

partnership such as treetop cottages, photography, and filming and video

sites production.


7. The sites also forms an ideal site for research center for both locals and

internationals.

Recommendations

The committee recommends that the County ministry of Tourism should;

1. Improve on roads network within the forests reserve.

2. Should flash-out people engaging in forest destruction as evidenced by

massive tree logging.

3. Renovate dilapidated houses in the forest to serve as offices/ houses for

the county forest staffs/rangers.

7. CIAMPIU GRAND FALLS

This water fall is found in Tharaka ward on the Tana River and it is commonly

known as ‘’Kibuka’’ which has a rich history. Tana River at Kibuka has an island

with natural evergreen forest which covers an area of about 1 hectare. Kibuka

has a cultural significance to the Tharaka community and they have over time

used the site as a shrine.

Findings:

The committee found that;

1. There is no access road to the water fall. This hampers movement of

tourists in and out of the water fall. The only alternative means to the

island is the canoe. (see photos annexed figure 10 a&b of members crossing

Tana River using a boat)

2. There is unique magnificent island formed close to the water fall which

offers beauty scenery to the fall.

3. There is no direct access to the island because the Tana forms a tributary

which has no structure for crossing to the island.

4. The County ministry plans to establish touristic activities like; picnic sites

on the island, nature walks with slab walk ways on the island, boat riding,

and cable-cars over the grand falls and tented camp/resort for high end

tourists outside the island.

Recommendations

1. The county should invest heavily in Hotels and lodgings in the Island

which can be used as eateries to the visiting tourist as well as generating

revenue to the County Government.


2. The county should develop the road leading to the falls to make the site

easily accessible by the tourist who may wish to visit the falls.

3. The county government should construct a foot bridge to ease access to

the island from the mainland.

8. MWINGI NATIONAL RESERVE/ KORA NATIONAL PARK- TSEIKURU

WARD

Mwingi national reserve is the second largest protected area in Kenya after Tsavo

Conservation area. The reserves measures 475km2 and it lies in the same

ecosystem with Kora and Meru National Parks. The reserve is located in Tseikuru

ward in Mwingi North Sub County. Some of the tourist resource values in this

reserve are undisturbed wilderness experience, the historical Tana River Bridge

(Adamson falls bridge), and wildlife like Buffalo, Zebra, Impala, Grant’s gazelle,

Thomson’s Gazelles and Giraffes and a diversity of birdlife like guinea fowls.

The committee visited several sites within the reserves as follows;

a) Masyungwa revenue collection gate

This gate is located in Kaseluni in Masyungwa Location and it was constructed

by the county Government during 2014/2015 financial year.

Erina contractor was contracted by the County Government to construct this

gate.

The gate was funded by the County Government to a tune of Kshs. 2,432,490

million and currently it is 85% complete.

The structure has rooms for armory and the room for security personnel’s and

washrooms.

b) Adamson revenue collection gate

This gate was also done by the County Government of Kitui during the

2014/2015 financial year at tune of Kshs. 2,479,735.00 million and it’s next

to Adamson’s falls bridge along Tana River.

The Garnet contractors were contracted to do the work of construction of the

gate and its 100% complete.

The structure has rooms for armory and the room for security personnel’s as

well as washrooms.

c) Kora national park H/Qs

Members also visited Kora national Park Headquarters where they were received

by Sergeant Peter Ndirangu. Ndirangu informed members that livestock found

in the reserves belongs to prominent people and it’s not easy to flash them out

because of political influence.


He also took members to a site which used to have cable cars popularly known

as Adamson’s falls Cable Cars Bridge which was built in 1965. This Adamson’s

fall Cable Cars Bridge is now in deplorable condition and it is no longer in use.

The bridge linked Kora national park to Bisanadi national reserve in Isiolo

County to the south and Meru national park in Meru County to the North.

Mr. Ndirangu confirmed to the members that apart from herders who graze their

animals in the reserve, a massive forest destruction is being witnessed from

people who burn charcoals for commercial purposes.

d) Adamson falls/picnic site

This is the only tourist site available in the reserve. It is located next to the

Adamson’s/ Kora Bridge, overlooking Tana River. The picnic is less than 100m

from the KWS manned security gate and in close proximity to Kora National Park

headquarters. The site is often used by schools, colleges and some international

visitors coming from Meru National Park through Murera gate according to KWS

officer Joshua Ogutu whom the committee met at the KWS Security gate next to

County Government newly constructed gate. According to Mr. Ogutu, this picnic

receives visitors throughout the year except during rainy seasons when only few

tourist visits the site from Meru National Park.

Findings:

1. Massive encroachment of lands by squatters who have constructed

makeshift houses and cleared forests for crop farming.

2. Forest Invasion by the people of Somali origin who graze their livestock

such as camels, goats and cows in the reserve protected areas.

3. There are no single sign boards in the reserve thus hampering directional

movements of tourists inside the forest.

4. The county government has constructed two revenue collection gates to

the reserve namely; Masyungwa revenue collection gate and Adamson falls

Gate. The Masyungwa gate is poorly done, has developed some cracks on

the wall already. On the other hand, the Adamson’s revenue gate is

complete and well done and with armory rooms.

5. There is massive forest destruction by people who engage in the business

of charcoal burning inside the reserve.

6. The whole reserve area is not fenced.

7. Roads network within the reserve is relatively good, with murram roads

though there are no directional signs.

8. The Adamson’s visitors gate built by the County Government is not

branded, thus it’s not possible to know whether it’s a county government

facility.


9. The Adamson’s picnic site is in deplorable condition especially the nice

umbrella like shade and the meat grill used by the late proprietor George

Adamson.

10. That there is a M.O.U between the County Government of Kitui and

KWS and the George Adamson Wildlife Foundation Trust to fence both

MNR and Kora National Park at a cost of Kshs 280 million. This financial

year, the ministry has set aside Kshs 20 million towards this.

11. The ministry plans to put up a game rangers camp H/Qs at Kaningo

area. Similarly they are planning to drill and equip a borehole at

Masyungwa gate at cost of Kshs 7 million and Kshs 4.7 million

respectively.

Recommendations

1. The County Government should consider training and equipping the newly

employed County game rangers with guns to man the reserves and also

use them to flash out herders grazing their animals in the reserves.

2. The County Government should fence the whole of Mwingi national reserve

and Kora national park to deal with the issue of livestock incursion.

3. The County Government should consider restocking the reserve with a

diversity of wildlife species to me more appealing to the foreign tourists.

4. The County Government should invest in hotels and lodgings at the

Adamson’s falls site to target over-flow of visitors coming from Meru

National Park.

5. The County Government should build structures to enable it collect

revenue from tourist who enter the reserves from the other side of Meru

National park.

6. Further, the County Government should renovate Adamson’s falls picnic

site which is some few meters behind the Adamson’s revenue collection

gate for it to attract more visitors.

7. The County Government direct the Garnet contractors who was contracted

to build the Adamson’s visitor’s gate to brand it as a county Government

of Kitui facility.

9. TEI WAS YESU/GAI ROCK-KYUSO WARD

Tei was Yesu is an area that was opened up by the early missionaries who

constructed a hospital just below the three rocks of Muruu, Ndumunya and Gai.

Gai is the highest of the three and it is at is foot that the hospital was constructed

by the white missionaries in the 1960s. This rock is an important water

catchment in the area and it is registered as a public land. There is also up-to-

date maintained airstrip that was used by the doctors near the Hospital.


Similarly, there are several self-contained houses that were used by the doctors

below the Muruu rock which are ramshackle. These houses are currently

managed by the African Evangelical Presbyterian Church (AEPC). This rock

offers a magnificent view of Garissa Town and the Tana River meandering its way

to the Indian Ocean.

Findings:

1. The Rock is an idea site for Rock climbing and hiking.

2. The site has got several water tanks with clean water collected from the

rock.

3. There are several self-contained houses which were constructed by the

missionaries and which served as living houses for doctors working at Tei

wa Yesu hospital. These houses are now in deplorable conditions.

Recommendation.

1. The County Government should put measures to develop the rock to

attract more tourist.

2. The County ministry should set aside some funds to refurbish the

dilapidated houses to be used for retreats by the County Government staffs

/tourists or act as holiday homes.

3. The ministry should also set aside some funds for water piping from the

tanks and supply it to the local residents.

4. The ministry should plan to erect a fence around the site to secure the

facilities and prevent unscrupulous people from vandalizing and grabbing

the area.

10. NGOMENI ROCK- NGOMENI WARD.

Ngomeni rock is a magnificent landscape formation standing at above 700m

above the ground. The rock has a rich diversity of plant species including rock

adapted grasses. It is also an important water catchment which was initiated

back in 1936 and it provides water to the people of Ngomeni. This rock is

registered as a public land with a buffer of 100m from the rock base. The rock is

important to the community in providing water through rock catchment

harvesting, livestock grazing, beekeeping as well as harvesting thatching grass.

Proposed tourist activities at Ngomeni rock include; Rock climbing, nature trails

with bird watching, tented campsite, picnic site and a modern tourist hotel near

the rock.


Findings:

1. There is an existing house near the rock that was constructed during the

colonial days which served as the Governor’s house which is now

dilapidated and currently not in any use.

2. The rock has a big cave believed to be a hiding place for residents during

the period of raids by the Somali livestock raiders popularly known in the

area as Akavi.

3. There is massive dam which was constructed by the colonial government

at the foot of the rock and has been providing water to the residents of

Ngomeni since then.

Recommendation.

1. The county ministry should renovate the house and connect it to the

national grid to be used as an historical site/ storage for important

historical information for future reference.

2. The County ministry should consider installing fishing boats in the

gigantic dam which provides water to the residents of Ngomeni for

harvesting copious fish found in the dam.

3. The county ministry should install staircase at the rock to make it easier

for people when ascending and descend the rock.

11. UKASI ROCKS – NGUNI WARD

This rock is situated in Ukasi ward along the Ukasi- Kamuluyuni road. It can

be a key attraction in the area for rock climbers, insect lovers and bird

watchers. The county plans to establish activities like wildlife sanctuary for

game viewing, cultural tourism, eco-lodge and campsite.

The Rock is a home to a unique insect which is rare in Africa and which has

been an attraction to local tourists.

Recommendation

1. The county ministry should set aside some funds for undertaking

research work to establish the name of the unique insect found in this

rock and develop the site to attract more tourists.

In general the Committee proposes the following recommendations to the County

ministry; that;

1. The county ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources should market

Kitui County as a tourist destination by encouraging and sourcing for both


local and foreign investors to come and invest in tourism industry in our

county.

2. The County ministry should building partnerships with the existing

investors in a bid to privatise some tourists’ sites as in case of some

countries like Brazil.

3. The ministry should consider building linkages with neighbouring

counties like Meru, Taita Taveta and Tana River to market tourism in the

County.

4. There is need for the committee together with the Executive to benchmark

with other counties to share experiences and exchange ideas on how to

promote tourism. This should be done as soon as possible.

5. The committee has also established that the County has never generated

any revenue from tourism activities. Thus, it recommends that the County

ministry should endeavour to develop at least two (2) tourists’ attraction

sites to completion specifically Mwingi National Reserve and the Nzambani

rock as tourist destinations sites in Kitui County before embarking on

developing other sites with an aim of generating revenue.

6. Finally, the committee has found out that there is minimal investment of

county resources in Tourism industry, thus in order to realise any minimal

development, the ministry needs to invest widely in this sector.

Mr. Speaker Sir,

Members of the public will enjoy value for money if the Executive ensures that the recommendations made by the committee on how to improve these tourists’ sites to attract more tourists were acted upon. In addition, the tour was generally

successful despite the few challenges mentioned elsewhere in this report. All the recommendations made by the committee were arrived at by consensus

by all the members who went for the tour.

The committee, therefore, unanimously urges the House to adopt the report with

the recommendations thereof.


Figure 1: Mr. Kathenge-Ass. Director- Tourism explaining to members the history of these structures on the foot of Mutomo hills plant sanctuary.

Figure 2: Committee members walking downhill of Yanzuu Rock


Figure 3 : visible marks at Kavia Ancient rock Figure 4: Members observing ancient caves at Kavia rock

Figure 5 Ikoo valley at Migwani area in Ulamba view point


Figure 6: Private Developer milling Timber using powered tractor saw


Figure 7: A Tractor carrying logs of Timber to the sawmill site in Mumoni

Figure 8: Part of forest staff houses which are no longer in use at the foot of Mumoni hills


Figure 9: Part of the dilapidated forest staff houses in Mumoni forest reserve


Figure 10 a : Members use boat to cross Tana River to access Grand falls

Figure 10 b: Members use boat to cross Tana River to access Grand falls


Figure 11: Part of Grand falls forming a scenic beauty


Figure 12: Front View of Masyungwa Gate


Figure 13: George Adamson's Cable cars structure crossing Tana River at the Kora National Park H/Qs


Figure 14: Adamson's Revenue collection gate back view


Figure 115: Nice Umbrella shaped shade overlooking George Adamson's falls along Tana River

Figure 126: Abandoned Meat Grill at George Adamson's falls picnic site


Figure 137: delegates crossing Tana River using Adamson's falls bridge which links Meru N. Park with Kora N. Park


Figure 148: Ancient caves found at Ngomeni rock

office of the clerk county assembly of kituikituicountyassembly.org/userfiles/committee report-...

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