Drought bites

Hundreds of wild animals in the renowned Hellsgate National Park in Naivasha are facing starvation as the on going drought that has hit parts of the country rages on.

Already, several animals mainly herbivores have died in and around the park as they seek pastures.

According to the warden in charge of the park Ms Nelly Palmeris, zebras, giraffes and buffaloes are the most affected.

Palmeris said the Kenya Wildlife Service had embarked on providing water for the animals, a move that had seen tens of wild animals that had strayed outside the park coming back.

"It has not rained for the last few months and just like other sectors and areas of the country, the drought has adversely affected us," she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by assistant warden Ms Lilian Aberi who said that majority of the animals had taken cover under the bushes due to the heat.

"We have also experienced mortality among some wild animals while others are not giving birth due to the prolonged drought," she said.

However despite the drought, the number of tourists visiting the park has shot up by thirty percent in the last two months.

Speaking while on a tour of the park, Palmeris at the same time raised alarm over the illegal trade in game meat around Naivasha.

She said that there were fears that the meat was finding its way into butcheries around the lakeside town.

According to her, KWS officers had in the last two weeks nabbed over 300kgs of game meat and arrested scores of suspect.

"The trade is rife in Ndabibi, Kasarani and Ngondi areas and we have intensified our operations to nab those behind the illegal trade," she said.

During the visit, the warden said that they had started preparations to re-brand the renowned park to make it more interesting to the visitors.

Palmeris said that a major re-branding function would be held in the park on the September 25 where an improved service delivery initiative would be also be launched.