The Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife chaired by Hon. Kareke Mbiuki (Maara) met with the Principal Secretary, State Department for Wildlife, Ms. Silvia Museiya to review progress on the Department’s projects for the past year and a half.

The Committee discussed various strategies towards effective implementation of plans and budgets for the Financial Year of 2022/2023 and half year 2023/2024.

Members raised concerns with the allocation of Kshs.600 million for the construction of restrooms and toilets in parks.

Vice Chairperson, Hon. John Wanjiku (Kiambaa) sought clarification on what this amount was to be used for. He wanted to know what kind of structures would be put up.

In response, Ms. Museiya, said there was the need to construct toilets in all tourism destinations. She gave the example of instances where tourists prefer Mt. Kilimanjaro to Mt. Kenya due to lack of toilets on climbing routes in Mt. Kenya. She added that plans are underway to build these facilities along all climbing routes in Mt. Kenya and Mt. Aberdares.

Hon. Mbiuki emphasized the importance of adequate facilities, stating that they reflect on the country's image.

"Can you imagine when a tourist is climbing Mt. Kenya and he discovers that there are no toilets or changing rooms which are very critical? How will that reflect on the country?" he asked.

Additionally, Ms. Museiya told Members that Kshs. 235 million was allocated for road infrastructure in community conservancies. According to her, this is slated to be undertaken in collaboration with the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) for effective implementation and maintenance, as some roads serve both the public and tourists.