Marketing Tourism

There’s no doubt that tourism plays an important role and contributes immensely to the wealth of nations. Many countries go to great lengths to package their nations as attractive destinations to investors and visitors because both spend money in goods and services of the host nation, hence contributing to the economy of the destination country.

It’s for this reason that a country deploys her best human resource reserves to package and market the country’s attractions – geographical features, the people, political leadership, the economy, infrastructure and international relations. The country as a whole becomes the product to market as a good destination for investment and tourism and leaders go to great lengths to ensure all the attributes listed above form a composite product that appeals to the potential investor and visitor. To be able to market a product or service, marketers must not only understand the product or service; they must understand the customer. What attracts and keeps the customer hooked to a destination must be preserved, protected and used as a marketing tool for economic prosperity.

I Kenya’s case the potentially lucrative tourism sector has been so badly managed and marketed that the sector has all but collapsed, fortunes lost, people lost jobs and the economy suffered a serious blow. This all started in the late eighties to late 90s when the government and investors took the pre-80s tourim boom for granted and started skimming off income and profits to tax-havens abroad at the expense of investing in tourism. Most of the major tourism players thought, and still think, despite dwindling fortunes, that the tourists would continue flocking to ‘Magical Kenya’ regardless of local political and economic circumstances. As of March 2015, hoteliers and other other stakeholders, particularly employees, are all but optimistic about tourism. Despondency has set in and only pathological optimists will dare put their money in tourism. And their seems no hope in the near future all – investors and government – have given in to the incurability of the sector.

The perception among tourism watchers is that the government and investors have assumed that posture of “the good times are gone; we made our money during the golden 1970s to 1980s. Let’s get the hell out of here to better things elsewhere”. But this is an unfortunate and and suicidal stance by both government and investors in a country where 46% of citizens live below the poverty line and the economy relies on export of under-valued raw farm produce with no value-addition. Tourism is a product susceptible and sensitive to the vagaries of politics and economics. Additionally, poor management of the destination will put off visitors and customers. While Kenya’s politics has contributed a disproportionately higher share of the problems in tourism, international geo-politics and terrorism have also played havoc in the sector. However, these are all problems and challenges that affect all countries in the globe. They are not unique to Kenya. So, what is killing Kenya’s tourism? The biggest killer of the sector is the government of Kenya. In countries where tourism has been hit by political activity or terror attacks, governments have responded quickly to reassure the world of security and political leadership and stability. All resources have been redirected to publicity, public relations and intensified marketing.

In Kenya, lethargy in government, coupled with misguided phobia for political opposition parties, have all meant that fighting the real enemy of tourism and international investor confidence has been sacrificed at the alter of political competition and misdirected effort at blaming and warring with the opposition. Immense resources have been deployed to fight and vanquish internal opposition parties than has been expended in fighting terrorism and instituting inclusive political leadership and good governance. The government has been inept in creating a political environment that would create investor and traveler confidence that’s crucial to encouraging traditional tourist markets. Instead, government has contributed to an atmosphere of perpetual animosity between divergent political parties on one hand and between citizens based on tribal hegemonic politics. This has given a perception of political instability, a sure put-off for travelers and a fertile ground for terrorists to take advantage of. This is unfortunate and inexcusable. Kenya still has all the tourist attractions that existed since creation. Vast national game parks and reserves still teem with wildlife. The coastal beaches, hotels and marine parks still attract interest. Diverse cultures and hospitable people still exist to welcome visitors and travelers. Out sportswomen and men still shine everywhere they go. But we have failed to take advantage of the wondrous natural endowments and human capacities to package a tourism product that pulls in the numbers.

The Kenya Tourism Board is a good outfit to market tourism. But only on paper. In actual fact, it’s only a gravy train for political cronies to raise funds for political activity. With beautiful ideas and people tasked to market Kenya, it’s one of the most useless public money-guzzling entities, peopled with employees whose idea of tourism is how much money was made last year compared to 19970! They have failed to be proactive and take the lead in packaging Kenya as a preferred holiday destination. . Tourist attractions and facilities in Kenya are among the best in the world. The geographical and climatic positioning of Kenya is one that the world envies and desire to visit or invest in. But with poor politics, poor leadership, lack of direction, business short-termism, and a business culture that lays emphasis on get-rich-quick-by-grabbing methodologies, tourism in Kenya will continue to decline and eventually die altogether as investors and government are only interested seasonal profits which are quickly stashed abroad in tax havens. Investors have done well so far and put up international standard facilities to cater for the international traveler. Yet these facilities are turning into white elephants with little business activity going on. The lack of strong lobbies in the tourism industry to pressure government to lay sound tourism policies is a factor that has led to lethargy in those charged with managing tourism in particular and the economy in general.

This is clear from the way the government has handled wildlife poaching and ivory trade in Kenya. Powerful criminal cartels exist who kill wildlife with impunity and export game trophies through government-facilitated and protected channels. The illicit wealth thus obtained funds politics and political activity of the high and powerful in government. The Kenya Wildlife Service, a government body charged with wildlife protection and conservation, is deliberately poorly funded so as to keep it several steps behind poachers. See my earlier blog on wildlife poaching: http://ensokohospitalitysolutionsltd.com/2015/01/12/kenya-tourism-an-underfunded-sector-that-contributes-11-to-gdp/ Private Conservancies and conservation groups, who use their own private funds, do a better job than government-funded institutions. But these are few and rely on donor-benevolence and assistance from charities. Yet the greatest beneficiary of tourism, the government, commits little funds to protect the one national heritage that contributes immensely to economic development But all is not lost. There are still a few individuals and institutions with enough enthusiasm and determination to return Kenya’s tourism to the golden years of the 70s and 80s. A prime example is the Kenya Utalii College that trains personnel for the tourism industry and continues to earn accolades worldwide for excellence and professionalism. Graduates from this college continue to give unequaled service to tourism and they have been good ambassadors for the industry. It’s hoped that professionals in tourism will take up the challenge from where government has given up to take the industry to greater heights. Individuals and private institutions like Paula Kahumbu and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust have been relentless in wildlife conservation and protection. It is hoped that stakeholders in hotel and hospitality industries, which benefit from wildlife conservation and protection, will play a bigger role in ensuring that all those sectors and natural attractions that bring in tourists are save from rogue criminal opportunists who benefit from illicit poaching and trade in wildlife trophies and other endangered species. Kenya owes itself the duty and honour to preserve and jealously protect wildlife and the tourism industry. More important, Kenya and Kenyan leaders owe posterity a duty to preserve our national and natural heritage, not just to boost tourism but to ensure a reservoir of nature and environmental treasures for future generations. Those of us who have enjoyed the natural beauty and abundance of our natural heritage, must work now to ensure the next generation enjoys the natural, cultural and economic benefits that nature offers while endeavouring to ensure those attractions that benefit tourism are preserved and protected. It’s my considered view that tourism is one of the cheapest and most cost-effective industry to invest in. It has the highest multiplier effect in terms of opportunities, job creation and economic contribution through lateral and vertical sector linkages. A successful tourism industry would boost all sectors of the economy from agriculture to manufacturing; from dairy farming to to fishing. These linkages would have mutual inter-industry benefits to can transform the socio-economic standards of the people.

Kenya Tourism & Hotels: Collective Action to Revive Tourism Requred

Kenyan hoteliers had it too good for too long when tourism was booming and the international arrivals were hitting a million in the 80s up to the late 90s.
Then things went awry.facilities were not being refurbished to keep up with international trends. National infrastructure: roads, railways, electricity, water – were all neglected and left to rot away. Streets and public areas were dark and unlit at night. Crime soured. The tourist went elsewhere.
Electricity and water supply were unreliable. Hotels spent millions in own electric power generation. Yet they faithfully paid taxes. The cost burden had to reach a point where it would be unsustainable, unprofitable.
Pot-holed roads meant that travel to popular tourist destinations was a nightmare for the tourist and expensive for the tour operator who incurred huge expenses in vehicle repairs and maintenance. Yet they, too, faithfully paid taxes to the government’s business facilitation obligation and duty.
Then the mother of all challenges descended on the country: Terrorism. This, more than anything else, hammered the last nail to the coffin of tourism and the hotel industries. Government effort to deter, or stop, terrorists was too late, too little and too ineffective. International partners in the fight against terrorism left Kenya on her own to deal with an international war. Tourism died.
Stakeholders in tourism have tried to sell the country, spending millions of shillings disparately marketing Destination-Kenya to an international tourist too scared to venture into a country infested by terrorists in a country where anti-terrorism strategies and tactics were wanting at best, ineffective and uncoordinated at worst.
What’s the way forward?
In my view, a multifaceted approach must be put in place.
1. The government must invest in pro-active anti-terror agencies. Train and equip security agencies to be able to act fast and in a timely manner not just during and after terror attacks, but also continuously monitor and collect intelligence on likely terror attacks. Kenya’s entry and departure points must be manned and thoroughly secured to detect and deter terrorists fro entering the country.

2. Most importantly, the scourge of corruption among immigration and security organizations must be eliminated. It is common knowledge that criminals and terrorist have entered Kenya, acquired identity and travel documents by corrupting immigration and security agents. They have even acquired citizenship and set up “businesses” and training schools (Madrassas) from where they train terror recruits and assemble WMDs which they use for terror activities.
3. The government must take deliberate steps to improve infrastructure in and around popular tourist circuits. The coastal region, and Mombasa in particular, the popular national reserves and game parks must be given priority in infrastructure investments.
4. Stakeholders and investors in Tourism must come together and form strong lobbies and organizations that tackle tourism challenges together by pulling resources for public relations and marketing activities. The solo efforts by some investors have been useful but not enough to spur enthusiasm for and confidence in Kenya. Working together as an industry-specific entity, would make greater impact and spread out the cost of re-branding Destination-Kenya.

5. Hotels must use the lull in tourism business to refurbish, renovate and innovate hotel business and services to conform with international trends. It would be pointless to market the country, encourage and entice tourism customers back only for them to find derelict facilities and mediocre services in hotels and lodges.

Private business in general must be given incentives and be encouraged to invest in premises security. Installation of CCTVs, recruitment of professional security personnel, and permission to acquire weapons would go a long way in assuring customers of security.
6. The country’s political leadership must inspire confidence, patriotism and loyalty among citizens to work with security agencies to detect and deter crime and terrorism. Ethiopia has shown an example of how the citizenry can rise as one to fight a common enemy: terrorism.
It will nether be easy or cheap but nothing good as ever come from cheap and easy methods and strategies for better security, better business and national prosperity.

Professional Outside Catering Services

Recently a university in Kenya contracted an outside catering company to provide services during a students event.

Food and drinks were served and the students had a good time. But for a short while.

The evening after the party, students started complaining of stock trouble, vomiting, diarrhea and general body weakness. This was a clear sign of food poisoning.

Professional food service establishments go to great lengths in ensuring high standards of health and hygiene.

As more and more companies and people work outside in Oil &Gas, Mining and other extractive industries, outside catering services have become more and more necessary. Also, many large organizations are now providing staff meals on site to save time wasted going out for meals in sometimes busy roads with traffic jams and lunch-time human traffic. Organizers of events and celebrations; weddings and anniversaries all are require outside catering services. This means that the populations of people needing outside catering services is increasing more and more each day.

This calls for professionalization of outside catering services that demand well-trained, well-informed and properly certified personnel to offer efficient, healthy and hygienic catering services away from food preparation and service locations. It’s therefore crucial to do everything professionally possible to eliminate all conditions that would cause food spoilage and possible food poisoning of customers.

In many countries, stringent training and certification guidelines and laws are put in place to ensure caterers adhere to health and safety regulations to protect consumers.

Apart from the government Food Handlers Certificates issued by Public Health officers, there are internationally recognized certifications that allow food service practitioners to vend their services. For example, Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification is now common in many quality food service establishments many customers would demand to see this before contracting catering service providers

In some countries, Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering (Level 1 &2) are minimum requirements for food service providers and caterers. EU Regulation 852/2004 (Hygiene for Foodstuffs) requires food businesses to make sure that any staff who handles food are supervised, instructed and trained in Food Hygiene in a way that is appropriate to the work they do. Most international contractors working in Kenya would as a normal practice require this certification, or local equivalent, before they can contract catering service providers.

In Kenya, since the late 90s, many hotels and catering institutions have been investing in staff training to be compliant with HACCP and Food Safety & Hygiene for Caterers. Some employers are even requiring that job applicants be in possession of some form of food hygiene certification before hiring.

In hotels and other fixed-premise establishments adhering to these guidelines in easier because facilities are usually in place to keep foods and beverages in optimal services conditions. Service temperatures can be monitored by probe thermometers to keep food free of disease-causing pathogens.

These requirements are even more critical for Outside Catering service providers. This is because outside catering necessitates transport of food and beverages and equipment from the preparation sites to where the service is required. Keeping food free of contamination and spoilage a challenge that outside caterers must confront at all times and ensure the food reaches the consumer wholesome.

Most countries have minimum certification for food handlers. However, further and continuous training of personnel is a prerequisite for food handlers.

At Ensoko Hospitality Solutions Ltd, we ensure that all our staff are not only well-trained but also possess the requisite certification that allows them to handle and serve foods and beverages without the risk of endangering consumers of our services.

Kenya: The Tourist’s Paradise

As the Kenya government and Tourism stakeholders grapple with the challenges that have seen tourism fortunes dwindle, one of the most asked questions is: Why is Kenya targeted by Western European countries and the USA as an unsafe destination to visit? While these countries have cited terrorist threats as the main reason for negative travel advisories, observers are keen to note that there are destinations where the risks of terror are higher and most likely to happen. Yet, they have isolated Kenya as Africa’s prime terror-prone countries. True, Kenya has borne the brunt of Islamic terrorism. From 1998 when the US embassy in both Kenya and Tanzania were attacked to more recent attacks in Malindi’s Mpeketoni and arid Mandera to the North Kenya has indeed felt the effects of international terror which has affected national security and the economy. This is the very reason that made Kenya make the painful and costly decision to send the national Army, KDF into Somalia which was known to harbour Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab terrorists who had frequently attacked Kenya, especially along the sensitive tourist haven of Mombasa and Malindi. Ironically, the USA and Western European countries seem to have abandoned Kenya at her hour of need. What was meant to be a laudable effort to combat terrorism has now turned out as a military adventure that is causing Kenyan authorities nightmares, affecting the economy in general and tourism in general. When the world should have joined and supported Kenya is her war with an international security challenge, Western and US governments have chosen to take punitive measures against a nation that can ill-afford the huge expenditure in the war against terrorism. Negative travel advisories by USA and Britain have particularly had a devastating effect on Kenya’s tourism, causing thousands of job losses and denying the country the much needed foreign currency. This is the exemplification of double standards by international geo-powers that would have made a huge contribution in fighting terrorism and help build confidence among the travelling world populations. But Kenya is a unique tourist paradise that will bounce back and is determined to fight the war on its own. As the anti-terrorism war goes on, stakeholders are hard at re-branding Kenya and re-awakening interest in our traditional markets as well as the Far Eastern countries whose economies are booming and their citizens eager to travel for leisure and pleasure. Fortunately, Kenya remains a dream holiday destination for holiday-makers. All the attractions that pull in tourists are in place. It will be a matter of time before tourists tire of unjustified advisories and start visiting the country because Kenya’s attractiveness remains. Among Kenya’s best market-place strength is her climate which varies across the country, from the tropical humidity of the coast, the dry heat of the Savannah or semi-arid areas and the cool air of the highlands. Located midway down the east coast of Africa, Kenya is one of the richest and most visited of African nations. It is a country of wildlife, vast Savannah, stark mountains and fine beaches. Kenya’s number one draw card is the many outstanding national parks and reserves where four-wheel drive safaris are very popular, while bustling seaside resorts on the Indian Ocean also feature . From sprawling game parks teeming with wildlife to seaside world-class hotels to wondrous game-viewing lodges and varied cultures and hospitable people, Kenya remains a dream holiday destination for many who are now temporarily scared off by the unfair and unjustified travel advisories by Washington and London. Kenya also boast some of the best trained hotel and hospitality professionals in the world. Kenya Utalii College in Nairobi remains the premier hotel and tourism training institute in East and Central Africa. Highly skilled and professional, graduates of Utalii College continue to impress visitors who marvel at their hospitality and professionalism. These are the people that drive the industry in Kenya. They are the most affected stakeholders in tourism who are affected most when tourism fortunes decline. They are at the forefront of reassuring international markets of Kenya’s attractiveness as d tourist destination. Most loyal tourists who visit Kenya for extended periods each year will affirm the professionalism, hospitality and passion with which Kenya’s hotel and travel staff put into their jobs. Even with negative travel advisories, Kenya remains a popular hub for business travelers who transit to other capitals in East and Central Africa. Those tourists who have to travel to Africa’s less attractive tourist destinations still transit through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. And as efforts are intensified by government, private investors and stakeholders, tourism in Kenya will boom once more because the basic attractiveness of Magical Kenya is still intact.

Kenya Tourism: An underfunded Sector that contributes 11% to GDP

Ensoko

According to the National Tourism Strategy 2013 -2018, the Department of Tourism in the Ministry of East Africa, Commerce and tourism, Tourism contributed 11% to the national GDP in 2014. It also contributed immensely to job creation, especially to the youth and women.”Tourism is labour intensive, with low barriers to entry and dominated by SMEs. Furthermore, the tourism sector employs a high number of women and young people than other industries.” the Strategy Paper says.

This underscores the crucial role tourism plays in the economy of the nation and it’s impact on the socio-economic developement of the people. The contribution of tourism to the Human development Index (HDI) is probably greater than any economic sector in Kenya because its forward and backward linkages and benefits are almost immediate and quickly impacts on the economy and the people.

“Tourism has extensive multiplier effects. Key sectors of the tourism trade are restaurant and accommodation services…

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Kenya – Hospitality Everywhere

ensokohospitalitysolutionsltd

Hospitality is often perceived by its narrow definition to mean the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers. This definition does not capture the whole scope of hospitality and limits it to being ‘friendly’ which denies it the complexity and multi-faceted aspects that make it a business that employs millions of people around the world.

The hospitality industry is a broad category of fields within the service industry that includes lodging, event planning, theme parks, transportation, cruise line, and additional fields within the tourism industry.

However, hospitality is now regarded as a multi-billion dollar industry that mostly depends on the availability of leisure time and disposable income spent away from home. A hospitality unit such as a restaurant, hotel, or even an amusement park consists of multiple groups such as facility maintenance, direct operations such as servers, housekeepers, porters, kitchen workers, bartenders, management, marketing, and human resources. All these operations require skilled…

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Magical Kenya: Kenya Tourism on the Rise

A blog to Kenya!

Kenya Tourism Rising- Investor Confidence

After four years of steady decline in tourist arrivals, signs are that the near and long term prospects are looking good.

Investors used the lull to renovate and refurbish facilities. New properties came up with the construction boom of the last two years. There’s a deliberate move to diversify from the traditional beach-and-safari tourism.

On the tourism front optimism is high.

This new Floating Restaurant on Lake Victoria is a sign that investors are optimistic.

The Ship-cum-Restaurant is a 600-person capacity facility that will be both a water transport vessel and a high class restaurant with conferencing facilities.

That customers can hold meetings while travelling between Kenya and Uganda, enjoying the electrifying scenery in the World’s largest fresh-water lake is an attraction that will bring many visitors to the Lakeside city of Kisumu, the administrative and business headquarters of Nyanza Province.

Kisumu already boasts several good hotels and restaurants as…

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Christmas Travel and Holiday to Kenya

This is a classic description of Kenya as one popular blog puts it: “It is a land of contrasts, comprising arid deserts, rich savannas, snow-capped Mount Kenya, the Great Rift Valley, lakes and palm-fringed sandy beaches. The country boasts the widest array of game species in Africa, including the ‘Big Five’.

Combine 7 different safaris in one country – wildlife, cultural, beach, sport, adventure, scenery and specialist safaris. The boundless wilderness and big game is legendary and has long attracted enthusiasts from the world over while the culture, evolved from countless sources can be observed as you ‘safari’ throughout the country. The coastline boasts soft white sandy beaches and palm fringed tourist class hotels where the locals will make you feel ‘Karibu’ – ‘Welcome’.”

Christmas season has always been the peak tourist period fro Kenya tourism. This year, thousands of holiday makers from all over the world will converge in Kenya’s popular tourist destinations to holiday, celebrate Christmas and New Year, rest and relax.

Despite some countries warning their citizens about travel to Kenya due to terrorism fears, most hotels are fully booked for four months till March 2015; the lure of magical Kenya attracting thousands of loyal Kenyan visitors who have visited for decades.

True,numbers have been going down tear after year due to a combination of factors – terrorism and political reasons – but these are factors that could affect any destination in the world. So, the majority ignore their governments’ advisories and travel to their preferred holiday destinations.

The unique attractions that Kenya offers are unparalleled, combining a leisure holiday with a safari into the wild side of Kenya, cultural safaris and even a business deal-making trip to the Kenya capital.

This Christmas season, holidaymakers will disprove their government’s negative travel advisories as they will find reassuring security, hospitable Kenyan people and the usual professional hospitality for which destination-Kenya offers.

Both the Kenya government and stakeholders in tourism have taken great efforts to provide security. So, it’s Karibu Kenya as usual with smiling service providers with ‘Jambo’ and ‘Habari’ everywhere you go – trademark of Kenya’s infectious hospitality.

Travel and Tourism Vs Terrorism

Terrorism Immobilizing the World

Ensoko

World travel business, especially that related to leisure and holiday, has been thoroughly affected by world islamic terrorism.

It seems this genie of terrorism has so scared the world that any form of travel, especially foreign travel, is now regarded as a risky adventure from which chances of returning home alive are minimal.

For tourism investors and stakeholders whose livelihoods depend on tourism income, this is bad news. For travel enthusiasts and holidaymakers destination choices and becoming limited. It is making the world recoil into “homeland shells” in which familiarity provides a false sense of security and local security agents are more trusted to provide safe havens against faceless terror.

According to Wikipedia, “Islamic terrorism comprises terrorist acts by groups or individuals who use Islamic motivations or goals for their actions. As with other forms of religious Islamic terrorists have relied on interpretations of the tenets of faith – in this case…

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Kenya Wildlife: A Natural Heritage Under Threat

One of Kenya’s most respected hoteliers, Mr Mohammed Hersi posted this in his Facebook Page with the lament: “There we go REALITY. Wildlife tourism could be dead withing two decades as per Colin Bell of Wilderness Safaris & Great Plains”.

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Another long-serving hotelier, Mathias M Aguta, urges with urgency in reply to Mohammed on Facebook: “Efforts must be redoubled to protect wildlife against all agents of decimation – poachers, people-wildlife conflicts and ecological degradation. Just curious: DO we still have a ministry/department responsible for Wildlife?”

Dr Paula Kahumbu, Kenya’s pre-eminent conservationists. lover of elephants has wedged a solo campaign for many years. Her passion for the cause of wildlife attracts admirers and volunteers that contribute both time and resources to protect wildlife.Her efforts have helped create awareness about wildlife conservation.

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Other charities like the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust have done commendable worked for wildlife and particularly elephants. The DSWT initiatives like “Adopt an Elephant” and Orphanage Project have attracted wide commendation and support for elephants and woldlife in general.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org%2F&ei=rqxdVM6RIsyradTOgbAJ&usg=AFQjCNEaqKgIVVqWyV_uwCbXEEj5_XQQ2g&bvm=bv.79189006,d.d2s

Kenya certainly needs much more help to wind the war against poachers and other human and natural causes that impact negatively on wildlife survival.

Over the years Kenya’s wildlife heritage has reduced in population to worrying levels. As Mr Hersi quotes Colin Bell saying, in two decades, tourism would die if we lose our wildlife. This must worry us all. And Hersi should know. Tourism in Kenya lies heavily on wildlife. Most tourists visiting Kenya combine the bush safari with beach leisure and relaxation. the demise of wildlife would seriously hurt tourism, employment and national forex earnings. It is therefore the responsibility all stakeholders to invest in wildlife protection, preservation and conservation. While the government must take the lead in this challenging duty, Kenyans must themselves cultivate a culture for love of this natural heritage that,if lost to eternity, would deny posterity a priceless gift of nature that is irreplaceable.

in the 1970’s to 1980 wildlife poaching was at it worst, poachers invading our parks and killing elephants, rhinoceros, leopards and even lions with total impunity. Corruption and protection from powerful government functionaries enabled criminals to run riot in our parks and national reserves massacring wildlife at will and even facilitated to export ivory, horns, skins and other “trophies” sharing the proceeds of this illicit trade with those who were charged with the responsibility of protecting wildlife.

Although human-wildlife conflicts, population growth and land scarcity, ecological degradation have all conspired to threaten wildlife with extinction, poaching remains the worst culprit. Communities that once lived in harmonious existence with nature and wildlife are now in dilemma: to preserve wildlife at the expense of livestock and agriculture is the challenge.

This problem can be solved if funds are availed to compensate communities with setting up of sustainable alternative sources of livelihood. But this and a humongous task for the government that has limited resources and increasing poverty levels. The alternative would be for the beneficiary stakeholders – hotels and resorts and other linked supply industries to contribute to conservation of wildlife. This can be in form of a levy imposed on all tourism industry stakeholders to finance wildlife protection and preservation.

It was not until 1989 that President Moi, having gotten rid of powerful corrupt government officials carried over from the Jomo Kenyatta regime, took the drastic step publicly setting ablaze twelve tons of ivory. He went further to rally the world to place a total ban on trade in ivory. Poaching of elephants reduced drastically after this dramatic show of wrath by President Moi. Between 1990, when CITES imposed a total ban, and 1997 only 34 elephants were killed in Kenya compared to a high of 1900 in the 70’s when protected gangs raided game parks with impunity.

I a sad reversal of gains made under Moi, poaching spiked drastically with 190 kgs of ivory seized at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport between 2006 and 2011. Apparently the poaching Cartels that Moi had sent into hiding had resurfaced with gluttonous fury under the Mwai Kibaki regime! Since then, the war on poaching seems to have been lost.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), charged with protecting wildlife, is poorly funded and equipped. Poachers know this and invade our parks without fear. What are the options left for government and stakeholders in the fight against poaching?

Would it too much to ask that international agencies like UNESCO would declare Kenya’s wildlife sanctuaries “International Heritage Sites”? This would not only attract international funding but also sensitize the world about the dangers threatening wildlife. This will also add pressure to those countries such as Asian countries, China and Arab nations who offer lucrative markets for poachers. I believe the world community would be prepared to avail resources for preservation of the world’s last remaining endangered heritage. As it has been seen from the war on the causes and effects of climate change, it is possible to to rally the world for worthy causes that would protect and preserve those delicate natural ecosystems that contain nature’s most endangered wildlife – both fauna and flora.

The challenge is to all Kenyans in particular and the international community in general to take urgent steps NOW rather than wait for complete extinction of precious and priceless natural heritage.