Tourism Ministry honours Namunyak and Reteti at start of nationwide tour!
Dr. Alfred Mutua, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Tourism and Wildlife feeding an elephant at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
As part of their nationwide tour visiting all 47 counties in a bid to boost Kenya’s tourism, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife chose to travel to Samburu first! It was such an honour to welcome the range of stakeholders and officials to Namunyak Conservancy and allow them to experience the work we do in person.
Travelling to Samburu National Reserve and Namunyak Community Conservation this past Thursday – the group included Dr. Alfred Mutua, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Tourism and Wildlife, accompanied by His Excellency (HE) Jonathan Lati Lelelit, Samburu County Governor; as well as the Honourable Pauline Lenguris, Women’s Representative for Samburu County; Mr. John Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary (PS) for Kenya Tourism, and other ministry and county officials.
Their tour aims to foster and grow meaningful collaborations between government, local communities, and various stakeholders on the ground, and Dr. Mutua engaged with local leadership in Samburu to understand the challenges and plan for sustainable growth.
DR MUTUA’S ARRIVAL AT RETETI ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
The day’s activities included an extensive visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary to learn more about this pioneering initiative and meet the inspiring Milk Mamas at the heart of the innovative Milk to Market program. The Namunyak Board and The Sarara Foundation then hosted the dignitaries for lunch at Sarara’s breathtaking Reteti House – where they enjoyed fresh local fare. It was an absolute highlight when a herd of wild elephants came to drink at the wildlife waterhole, which is set right below the lodge, and were joined by Reteti’s release herds. It was such a vivid illustration of the success of this groundbreaking program, and reminded us why we love what we do!
Providing the perfect platform for productive conversations about everything from pressing environmental issues to strategies for sustainable social development in the region, the lunch offered all stakeholders the opportunity to engage with CS Mutua, PS Ololtuaa, and the Samburu Government. It also opened a window for the minister and officials to see how Reteti Elephant Sanctuary and The Sarara Foundation’s conservation and community programs are intricately part of Sarara’s ecotourism model, and keep building a better future for all.
DR MUTUA FEEDS AN ELEPHANT WITH THE GOAT MILK MIXTURE, WITH THE SUPPORT OF PETER LENASALIA, RETETI’S MANAGER
“The highlight was visiting the Reteti Community Elephant Sanctuary, where I fed orphaned elephants, reinforcing my commitment to preserving Samburu's natural heritage. Reflecting on Samburu County's potential, I believe that with strong partnerships and community engagement, we can achieve sustainable tourism growth benefiting both locals and visitors.”
- Dr Alfred Mutua
DR ALFRED MUTUA AND OTHER DIGNITARIES ADDRESSED THE AUDIENCE AND WERE INTERVIEWED BY THE MEDIA AFTERWARDS
Our heartfelt thanks goes to the entire Namunyak Conservancy team and all of Reteti’s employees. Your dedication knows no bounds – and you offered our guests a reception they’ll never forget! Everyone – from Namunyak’s Rangers, Reteti’s Keepers, to the wonderful Milk Mamas did us proud.
A special thanks goes to each of our honoured guests, including:
Dr. Alfred Mutua, Kenya’s CS for Tourism and Wildlife
HE Jonathan Lati Lelelit, Samburu County Governor
The Honourable Pauline Lenguris, Women’s Representative for Samburu County
Mr. John Ololtuaa, PS for Kenya Tourism
PHOTOS OF THE ATTENDEES AND ESTEEMED GUESTS
