Laikipia National Game Reserve (Kirimon) Belongs To The County Government
Laikipia County Government owns Laikipia National Game Reserve as is evident from the Legal gazette notice 526 of 16 th November 1991. It covers the Kirimon area which was originally owned by the Livestock Marketing Division and subsequently the national youth service that is approximately 165 - square kilometers.
It has been noted that some communities have moved into the reserve and occupied some areas. They have constructed semi-permanent and transient pastoralist groups who have established some basic social infrastructure such as early childhood centers.
In the interest of stable governance and management of this important asset, the county government wishes to notify the residents of the reserve to vacate with immediate effect from the land. Being a protected area, nobody should occupy or settle on any portion of this conservation area. The reserve will be used for beneficial projects that will enhance growth and development within the county.
The reserve will support all forms of tourism such as outdoor activities like hiking, camping, mountain biking. For instance, a key part of tourism products is ornithological safaris and Lake Kilele. The surrounding wetland areas are an important habitat for birds - both migrant and migratory species. There is also an investment opportunity in high-end eco-lodges with the reserve. The department of water, environment and natural resources is developing a comprehensive work plan on the reserve.
The usage of this area, as it was originally designed by the government through the Livestock Marketing Division, livestock production is still the most conservation-compatible and environmentally suitable production system for this landscape. The reintroduction of weighing apparatus at livestock market would create a better market environment by boosting disposal of livestock during dry seasons at fair prices. The market structure will boost revenue collection that can be channeled to incentivize partnerships between ranches and pastoralist producers. The reserve can also be used for pasture production.
The plan establishes the reserve with functional management and security structure. It will promote security in the area for both humans and wildlife. The county government is in talks with the KWS to have a warden deployed to the Game Reserve. National Police Reservists will also be deployed for the effectiveness of the management of the reserve.
