The County Government of Trans Nzoia has intensified efforts to conserve cranes and wetlands, citing their critical role in sustaining tourism and biodiversity.
The commitment was made during World Tourism Day celebrations held at the Kitale Museum grounds under the theme “Redesigning Tourism through Digital Innovation and Crane Conservation.”
The event brought together county officials, conservationists and tourism stakeholders to spotlight the threats facing cranes and their habitats.
County Secretary Truphosa Amere said cranes remain a major attraction for visitors due to their beauty and ecological value.
“Cranes are special birds that are interconnected to the world of tourism. They bring out a beauty that captivates the eye,” she said.
Effects of encroaching on wetlands
CEC for Water, Environment and Natural Resources Robert Wamalwa cautioned residents against encroaching on wetlands, saying such actions threaten the survival of cranes and other bird species.
His Tourism counterpart, Eliud Tormoi, warned that destruction of wetlands is directly cutting off breeding grounds for cranes.
“Cranes live and reproduce in wetlands. When we destroy the wetlands, we stop them from reproducing,” he said adding that “Without the environment, there is no crane, no birds and no tourism.”
Additionally, Tormoi condemned the reported poisoning of cranes by farmers in neighbouring Uasin Gishu County, terming it inhuman.
Are cranes found in Trans Nzoia County?
Kenya Country Director for the International Crane Foundation, Adan Kabelo, said Trans Nzoia is a critical habitat, hosting over 20 percent of Kenya’s crane population after Uasin Gishu.
He said habitat loss is forcing cranes to change their nesting behavior, with some now nesting on tree tops instead of wetlands, putting chicks at risk.
“The young ones sometimes fall from the top of the trees because they do not have feathers, and this puts their survival at risk,” Kabelo said.
He urged coexistence between farmers and birds instead of poisoning, and called for investment in environmental education for children.
The highlight of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the county and the International Crane Foundation to strengthen conservation of cranes and wetlands.
The partnership is expected to boost collaboration between the county, communities and conservation agencies to protect habitats and promote sustainable tourism.
