Kilifi set to phase out KWS' control of Malindi and Watamu marine parks - Governor Mung’aro
Governor Gideon Mung’aro said plans are underway to phase out KWS’ control of the two marine parks and transition operations to county management.
Kilifi County is preparing to take over management of the Malindi and Watamu marine parks from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in a move aimed at localising conservation efforts and enhancing community participation.
Governor Gideon Mung’aro said plans are underway to phase out KWS’ control of the two marine parks and transition operations to county management.
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“By December, Malindi and Watamu marine parks will be under the county government. We will only retain a few KWS officers for training purposes, while our youth will undergo warden training at Manyani to take charge of the parks,” he stated.
The announcement coincides with an ongoing public participation exercise by KWS regarding proposed adjustments to conservation and entry fees at the parks.
Governor Mung’aro also addressed safety concerns at sea, cautioning local fishermen against venturing into deep waters during the current windy season.
This follows the recent loss of two lives when a fishing boat capsized offshore. He revealed that the county is procuring five modern fishing vessels equipped with safety equipment for fisherfolk in Kilifi, Watamu, Mayungu, Malindi, and Ngomeni.
“The vessels will enable our fishermen to operate safely and venture further into the sea. We urge all fishermen to wear life jackets and observe safety precautions,” he said.
On matters of urban cleanliness and development, Mung’aro praised Watamu Municipality for investing in waste management and confirmed plans for a benchmarking trip to Germany involving all five municipalities in Kilifi County. The aim, he said, is to adopt effective solid waste handling solutions.
Local MCAs, including Watamu’s Ibrahim Abdi, Dabaso’s Emmanuel Changawa, and Matsangoni’s Hassan Mohamed, vowed to push for increased funding for municipalities.
They emphasised the need to enhance sanitation in tourism hubs such as Watamu to attract investors and create job opportunities for local youth.
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