NEWS
GREAT PLAINS MARA NYIKA SET TO OPEN THIS AUGUST LAMU COAL PROJECT HALTED
A momentous win for Lamu and environmentalists as tribunal halts plans to construct the country’s first ever coal-powered plant near the coastal town of Lamu, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The license previously granted to Amu Power, the developer of the controversial Lamu Coal Plant, has been cancelled. The National Environment Tribunal (NET) ruled that the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) issued the environmental impact assessment license to Amu Power without following the law. The Ksh 200 billion project was Kenya’s first coal-fired power plant. The tribunal faulted the project for omitting engineering plans and details of the plant from public participation. Moreover, the project was not consistent with the Climate Change Act.
LION KING FILM INSPIRED BY HELL’S GATE NATIONAL PARK The London premiere of the new Lion King Movie saw Magical Kenya’s logo being displayed on the film’s back-drop banner. Kenya sponsored the movie premiere and the partnership between Walt Disney and the Kenya Tourism Board is meant to generate huge visibility for the country as a destination. Hells Gate National Park inspired the Lion King Film as it is considered the home of the Pride Rock. The dramatic and scenic landscapes, abundance of wildlife, rock climbing and cycling make the park a favourite for many. The 2019 Lion King remake premieres on 19th July 2019.
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The Great Plains Conservation will be adding to its collection another luxurious glamping property in the Mara, after Mara Plains. Set in the Mara Naibosho Conservancy, it is set to open its doors to the public in early August. The camp is set in a valley, straddling a small stream. The light-coloured canvas tents are designed to sit under the canopy of umbrella thorn trees while still offering guests views out over the bush. Walkways from tents to the main area evoke the feeling of a treehouse under canvas, and the camp’s ethic and inspiration is one of exploration and adventure.
KENYA LAUNCHES MOUNTAIN BONGO RECOVERY PLAN
The Kenya Forest Service has allocated 776 acres within the Mt Kenya Forest ecosystem for conservation of the endangered mountain bongo. The land will be used for expansion of the current bongo sanctuary and also will be fenced and paddocked to allow for breeding. The mountain bongo is a chestnut-red forest-dwelling antelope with 12-14 white stripes traversing its shoulders, flanks and hindquarters. The country’s population is 77 out of 96 total in the world and is under the custody of Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy in Laikipia. Their population has been shrinking considerably due to human activities like poaching and logging, as well as diseases and loss of habitat.