KWS assures WRC Safari Rally will not affect wildlife
WRC Safari Rally set for June this year at Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha will have minimal effect on the environment and wildlife.
According to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), an environmental impact assessment study conducted in the park had cleared the international event that will rake in over Sh6 billion to the economy.
In the past, animal welfare organisations have questioned the decision to hold the event in the park that is home to tens of wildlife and some endangered vultures.
The park will host the rally between the 24th and 27th of June while KWS Training College which is also home to tens of wildlife will be the service park.
According to KWS Director-General Brigadier John Waweru, an ecological assessment had been conducted in Hell’s Gate and the training college ahead of the rally.
Waweru noted that KWS senior scientists who were involved in the assessment with Nema officials had assured the government of minimal effects of the rally.
“All safety and environmental measures in and around the park have been addressed and this international event will have very little effect on the wildlife and park,” he said.
Speaking after visiting the ongoing works in the service park, Waweru said that a joint taskforce between KWS and WRC had been formed.
He said that the taskforce was mandated to make sure that the event ran smoothly.
“We are working well with the organisers of the rally in making sure that event is successful.”
