Tourism ministry eyes Sh100 million during upcoming Tembo Naming Festival

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 30-The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife is targeting to raise Sh100 Million during the upcoming inaugural Magical Kenya Tembo Naming Festival,

Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Najib Balala revealed this on Monday after receiving contributions channeled towards the initiative from East Africa Safari Rally, Chandaria Foundation, Oltukai Lodges, and African Wildlife Foundation at the Nairobi National Park.

The Inaugural festival is set to be held on 8^th October 2021 at the Amboseli National Park and will be graced by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Conservation of our wildlife resources remains key for us to ensure that future generations enjoy our country’s heritage, natural resources, and the incredible species that live within it. Therefore, it is ideal that we are here as we commence the first step towards the event which aims to ensure we have funds to support conservation of our Elephants,” said Balala.

During the event, individuals will be allowed to give names to selected elephants after donating funds towards the program which is aimed at boosting conservation efforts of the endangered species.

Balala said the initiative is meant to bring all stakeholders on board in embracing conservation and ultimately ensuring the preservation of Kenya’s heritage.

“Our aim is to ensure that we encourage more people and organizations to engage in conservation efforts in the country. The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us many things and one of them is that we must ensure that conservation efforts are sustainable and that wildlife protection should never be vulnerable to the shocks that affect tourism activities in the country,” added Balala.

The Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer, Betty Radier, on her part, urged organizations and individuals to join the initiative.

“The Magical Kenya Tembo Naming Festival offers a platform for the public to adopt, name, and nurture the elephant because supporting their conservation is a collective responsibility for the endless benefits they present to our livelihoods. This is strategic in terms of supporting tourism which is largely anchored by wildlife,”  Radier said.