FOR many years, Baringo has been synonymous with insecurity.
The county is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Insecurity has, however, long overshadowed all it has to offer.
The state made some interventions and they yielded results, and now the county is set to host this years’ World Wildlife Day on Monday.
“Kenya will commemorate the World Wildlife Day 2025 with a national celebration at Lake Bogoria in Marigat, Baringo county, on March 3,” Kenya Wildlife Service said in a statement. Baringo County Conservancies Association chief executive Susan Jepkemoi said this is a welcome break from all the negative publicity due to insecurity.
This made visitors shy away and dealt a major blow to the county’s economy, she said.
“Having Baringo designated to host the national event is a clear sign of improvement in security status,” Jepkemoi said.
“The commemoration will put Baringo back at the national and global map as one of the places with a breathtaking once-in-a-lifetime experience. We believe it will woo visitors coming for work and conferences.”
During the commemoration, some of the community conservancy projects supported by the Ministry of Tourism will be launched.
Three conservancies benefited from projects supported by the ministry. Baringo is home to Lake Bogoria, a Unesco-designated Ramsar site and a critical habitat for thousands of lesser flamingos, which flock to its alkaline waters.
The lake is also a sanctuary for other iconic species, including the greater kudu, African fish eagles and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.
Beyond Lake Bogoria, Baringo county boasts a mosaic of ecosystems, including Lake Baringo, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve and community conservancies, such as Ruko and Kaptuiya.
These areas support a wide range
of wildlife, including elephants, patas monkeys and the rare giant pangolin, making Baringo a biodiversity hotspot of global significance.
