In Nairobi, International Serengeti Day Walk took place on Saturday 19th March with participants turning up early, energized and ready to show their support for the conservation of the Serengeti Ecosystem. The walk was jointly organized by Ecotourism Kenya (EK) and Youth for Conservation (YfC) in protest of the proposed construction of a highway cutting through the Serengeti National Reserve.

Among the institutions represented were; Kenyatta University Environmental Club (KUNEC), Youth For Conservation (YfC), Kenya Climate Change Network (KCCN), Chiromo Environmental Awareness Club (CEAC), Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW), Intrepid Guerba, representatives from the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel and Ecotourism Kenya (EK).

(Participants in protest as they walked down Haile Selassie Avenue)

Though the day started out cold and chilly, it did not dampen the spirits of those who had come out to participate. The participants assembled at Uhuru Park Main Pavillion from 8.30am and embarked on the protest march at 9.00am. Lead by the trumpeting sound of vuvuzelas, the troop went down Haile Selassie Avenue, through Moi Avenue and Kenyatta Avenue and back to the main Pavillion at Uhuru Park for a few statements, before dispersal.

Kahindi Lekhalhaile, CEO of Ecotourism Kenya, in his speech, highlighted the need for stakeholders in the tourism sector to get involved in protesting the highway construction as it would adversely affect the Serengeti -Mara ecosystem and in turn affect the tourism industry.

Grace Kenana of Youth for Conservation echoed the need to conserve this important natural resource for future generations, since the Tanzanian government can adopt an alternative route, south of the Serengeti. She also mentioned that the World Bank and the Government of Germany have pledged to fund the construction of the alternative highway, which shows that the international community wants to be involved in protecting the Serengeti.

Representatives from KUNEC, KCCN, Intrepid Guerba, CEAC, ANAW and Norfolk also urged the Kenyan government, stakeholders in the tourism sector and the public to join the cause.

The walk is part of a six month campaign to create awareness and garner support for the conservation of the Serengeti- Mara ecosystem.

Ecotourism Kenya would like to thank all those who turned up for the walk despite the weather and also for their continued support.

Visit Ecotourism Kenya at http://www.ecotourismkenya.org