SP - Mid Rift 2009-2011 Rev. 14-04-09

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((DDrraafftt))
SSTTRRAATTEEGGIICC PPLLAANN
2009-2011
The Mid Rift Tourism & Wildlife Forum

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Vision
To be a leading tourism destination while upholding
the principles of sustainable development.
Mission
To coordinate tourism stakeholders and promote
tourism development in the Mid- Rift region through
investments, community empowerment, product
development, marketing and conservation of
natural and cultural heritage.
Core Values
Integrity: We are committed to acting in an honest
and professional manner in all our, undertakings;
Transparency: We are committed to be responsible
and continuously improve in service delivery to our
stakeholders and clients;
Accountability: We shall endeavor to be as open
as possible and ensure we are easily understood.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS USED
AGM - Annual General Meeting
ASAL - Arid and Semi-Arid Land
AWF - African Wildlife Foundation
a.s.l. - Above Sea Level
CBO - Community Based Organization
CDTF - Community Development Trust Fund
DDC - District Development Fund
EU - European Union
GoK - Government of Kenya
GDP - Gross Domestic Product
ICT - Information Communication Technology
IGA - Income Generating Activity
KATO - Kenya Association of Tour Operators
KTB - Kenya Tourist Board
KWS - Kenya Wildlife Services
MDG - Millennium Development Goal
MRTWF - Mid-Rift Tourism and Wildlife Forum
NGO - Non-Governmental Organization
SH - Stakeholder
SNV - Netherlands Development Organization
SWOT - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
TTF - Tourism Trust Fund
WWF - World Wide Fund for Nature
UNWHO - United Nations World Health Organization

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FOREWORD
he Mid-Rift Tourism and Wildlife Forum (MRTWF) is currently involved in asserting itself as a focal agency
in tourism in this region and is already involved in developing tourism products concerned with marketing
the North Rift region and bringing to light its many investment opportunities. Among other activities, the
Forum has held discussions with stakeholders on the subjects of tourism recovery strategies, destination
circuits and potential community benefits from tourism development and has partnered with key
organizations including SNV/Netherlands Development Organization and WWF. This comes in the wake of the
2007 post-election violence that has hitherto seriously affected the industry in the region. Supporting local
organizations and natural resource utilization with the objective of enabling poor households enjoy the
economic benefits accruing from tourism is at the core of these initiatives.
Development of the 3-year Strategic Plan is expected to put in place effective strategies that will promote the
industry in the region and provide sustainable livelihoods among the communities in the North Rift. The
workshop sets a major milestone in providing the MRTWF with the capacity it requires to push the process of
developing tourism forward.
The strategic planning Forum comes against a background of other Forums that have previously been set up to
deliberate on how the sector can be improved. It provides the CBOs involved with the impetus and courage to
drive the process forward in an effort to attain set goals and objectives. It is a deliberate initiative aimed at
consolidating a focused and concerted multi-stakeholder approach in addressing and promoting activities
towards the recovery and regeneration of the tourism industry in the region from a much more business-
oriented perspective. Other key players that have been involved in contributing towards the MRTWF initiative
include The Government of Kenya through its respective Ministries, especially the Ministries of Tourism and
Local Government; SNV/Netherlands Development Organization, WWF, Kenya Tourist Board (KTB), Tourist
Trust Fund (TTF), Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Kenya Tourist
Development Corporation (KTDC), Moi University, regional and other tour operators, private investors and the
business communities among others.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
he Mid Rift Tourism and Wildlife Forum had for a long time operated without a theoretical and practical
framework which could bring together and consolidate its thinking; planning, to enable easier realization of
the Forums’ goals and objectives. The Strategic Plan 2009-2011 is the first serious attempt by the Forum to
develop a guiding document which will steer the organization into the next three years. The document will
provide a clear roadmap to the Forum and its stakeholders to come together, join hands and make the dream
of making the Mid Rift region a leading tourist destination come true.
The reality of the changing external and internal environment of the Forum demanded that a review of its core
issues and mandate was looked into afresh. The general situation in the tourism industry both locally and
nationally was dynamic and changing rapidly. The reality dawned on the four member local Authorities of the
Forum, namely the County Councils of Baringo, Keiyo, Marakwet and Koibatek. They saw the need for an all
inclusive and participatory Forum for all stakeholders which would enable it to respond to new and emerging
operating environment and challenges. The realization opened up the way for coming on board of the Private
sector, the community as well as other partners in the industry.
The turning point was during the Stakeholders workshop which was held at Lake Bogoria Spa Resort from 9th
-
11
th
June 2009. It was in this workshop that key issues of concern to the Forum were identified and grouped
into thematic areas which were then assigned corresponding task forces. This Strategic Plan is one outcome of
the recommendation of the task Force on Strengthening of the Forum.
A lot of consultation took place in development of this plan among all stakeholders. This brought in a blending
of different ideas from diverse categories of people. It was done through workshops, focus group discussions,
committee deliberations and through the use of task forces. The workshops provided avenues in which a wider
section of the stakeholders were able to contribute and thereby making significant contribution to the
development of the plan. Participants were drawn from all over the four districts which make up the Forum
and from neighboring areas and towns such as Eldoret and Nakuru. They comprised the private sector, the
community, the local authorities and partners of the Forum such as Netherlands Development Organization
(SNV), Wild wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS). A validation workshop involving
stakeholders was held to validate the plan and to enhance its ownership by the Forum and stakeholders.
The contribution of the various partners and stakeholders cannot go unmentioned because the plan could not
have been successful without their anticipation. The Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), North Rift
Portfolio, not only provided funding for the process, but also, brought in its team of advisers, experts and a
wide experience on development of strategic plans. The contribution of Ms. Christine Kiecha and Mr. Tito
Arunga is appreciated. Members of the private sector, the community, the Extended Committee of the Forum,
Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Lake Bogoria and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) also created time within
their busy schedules to contribute to the success of the plan. Much thanks goes to Mr. Were and Mr. Chesire
of Peniel Development Consult for their technical input. The Forum also notes the general contribution made
by Tourism Trust Fund (TTF), Prof Chemelil & Associates and other partners in the development and success of
the Forum.
This plan sets fort strategic goals of the Forum and stakeholders. The goals are designed in the context of our
vision of the future, our purpose as a Forum as stated in our mission statement, and a set of core beliefs which
will guide our actions as we proceed to that future.
Cllr. S.K. Chepseba,
The Chairman,
Mid Rift Tourism and Wildlife Forum.
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BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
he Mid-Rift region consists 4 administrative districts of Koibatek, Baringo, Keiyo and Marakwet. The four
districts cover a total area of 14,356km2
with an estimated population of 783,109.
District Size (Km2
) Population (1999)
Koibatek 2,536 217,480
Baringo 8,655 264,261
Keiyo 1,456 143,865
Marakwet 1,709 157,503
The experiences Variable rainfall patterns that ranges from 120mm to 430mm. Some of the areas have arid
and semi-arid conditions, characterized by erratic and unreliable rainfall. In very dry zones of the region
pastoralism is the mainstay of the economy. In contrast, some of the areas of the region experience more
reliable rainfall.
The region’s altitude ranges from 369m around Lakes Baringo and Koibatek to higher points above 3000m
around the Keiyo and Marakwet escarpments. Major topographic features in the region include hills,
mountains, low-lying plains, rugged escarpments, river valleys, highlands and plateaus. In most dry areas, the
soil layer is very thin and poor that combined with low vegetation cover, leads to a rapid run-off. However, in
the wetter areas, and in areas with fertile volcanic soils, there is luxuriant growth of vegetation.
The per capita income ranges from very low (and far below the national average) in ASAL areas to average in
some areas of the region, especially the highlands of Keiyo, Marakwet and Koibatek. The poverty incidence is
alarming. In Baringo district, it was estimated that by 2001, about 57% of the population lived in absolute
poverty. The relatively high fertility rate of 7.2% and high population growth rate of 2.65% are unlikely to
diminish the poverty situation, especially around the mostly arid Baringo district.
The Mid-Rift Tourism and Wildlife Forum is an initiative of four local authorities in the Mid Rift region of the
Great Rift Valley in Kenya, that is, Koibatek, Baringo, Keiyo and Marakwet. The broad objective of the Forum is
to make the Mid Rift Region and its environs a leading tourist destination that is regionally interlinked with
best practices in ecotourism and strong community and private sector participation.
The region is endowed with a rich variety and diversity of tourism resources and a great investment potential
much of which has not been documented for sustainable development and utilization. It is this untapped
potential that the Forum plans to exploit for the economic benefit of the local community with the express aim
of reducing levels of poverty currently standing at an average of 56 %.
Following a tour to some of the Councils in the Coastal region of Kenya, the desire to promote tourism in the
North Rift region was mooted. Furthermore, the Councils realized they needed to cooperate with other
neighboring Councils in order to broaden the scope of tourism in the region. The Councils have since come to a
realization that they have a legal and binding mandate through which favorable by-laws identified under the
Local Authorities Act Cap 265 can be enforced. This gives the Councils a degree of latitude in enhancing their
revenue base through the responsible exploitation of the tourism potential in the region. The landscapes,
water courses, agriculture, sporting and athletics colleges are just some of the areas of opportunity in this
respect.. The joint SNV/WWF intervention to support the MRTWF therefore, provides a platform on which to
achieve its set objectives, in partnership with other organizations and stakeholders. The MRTWF is very keen
on extending its partnership to other institutions so as to actualize the public-private-partnership policy. This
Forum provides an opportunity to welcome other players. Many challenges, such as poor infrastructure and
the lack of good facilities, are yet to be addressed in ensuring the sustained expansion of tourism. The
establishment of projects such as cultural centers for eco-tourism is currently on-going, with projects
earmarked for many areas. As the Forum opens up to other stakeholders, the need to depart from
dependency on the Councils and establish the Forum as a private entity is now realized by all concerned
parties.. The post-election violence amongst other factors has posed still greater challenges to tourism in a
region that would otherwise have been well placed to benefit from a growing national tourism industry. Task
forces have been formed and a reconnaissance survey as well as an inventory of tourism products conducted.
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The Forum has since reconstituted and formed into an integrated organization that is now hopefully able to
tackle issues head on. It has taken slightly longer than originally envisaged for the Forum to address the many
underlying issues and challenges. However the time has now come for the Forum to come up with a strategic
plan that is capable of accommodating and encouraging new ideas and innovations as its members focus on
the future of the industry. The MRTWF’s objective is to open up the region to tourism. SNV/Netherlands
Development Organization, WWF, KWS and other partners have been instrumental in supporting the Forum.
SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
The destination’s tourism potential has remained untapped due to a variety of reasons: long-standing resource
conflicts between communities (Pokot, Tugen and Marakwet) along the Kerio valley, a low level of marketing
of the destination, few and poorly managed accommodation facilities and the lack of a coordinated approach
in the management of tourist destinations between local leadership and communities. In a baseline study
commissioned by SNV North Rift Portfolio in 2008 only 137,724 tourist arrivals were recorded in 2007 with an
average expenditure of $185 per day. This post-election violence that rocked the country in January/February
2008 caused worldwide negative publicity of the larger North Rift region, resulting in a 98% reduction of
revenue for such key destinations as Lakes Baringo and Bogoria. On the positive side, road infrastructure is
relatively developed, with most tourist attraction areas being accessible. Most tourist attraction sites in the
region are managed by county councils. Earnings from these destinations remained relatively low even as the
tourism industry nationally was, prior to the upheavels of early 2008, on an upward trend. Even with record
growth in earnings from tourism reaching $65.4 billion in 2007, only $307,692 was earned by the local
authorities managing Lakes Bogoria and Baringo in the same fiscal year, accounting for a paltry 0.036% of the
total national earnings.
From the reconnaissance and geo-mapping survey of tourist resources and support facilities in the North Rift
region, it was established that the opening up of the region is likely to generate increased household income
and ultimately reduce poverty levels in the area. Preliminary findings of the survey indicate that Baringo
District has six existing main natural physical tourist attractions, four potential tourist attractions sites mapped
and several others that were not mapped. The road to Lake Bogoria is tarmacked too, as is the road from
Marigat to Kabarnet. The district is covered by mobile and landline telephone services. Tourism activities in
Baringo are concentrated around Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria, which are visited by both international and
domestic tourists. The Kabarnet Museum is run by the National Museums of Kenya while the Kipsaraman
Community Museum is run by the community. Kabarnet museum has traditional Kalenjin artefacts and
prehistoric fossils. The museum has fossils of an average of 4 million years old. Lake Kamnorok Reserve is
inaccessible during rainy season due to the lack of bridges, rendering the streams impassable. Baringo has a
great deal of potential that should be harnessed to take full advantage of tourism resources in order to bring
economic benefits in the district.
Eight existing natural tourist attraction sites were mapped in Keiyo district with view points and waterfalls
scattered along the Elgeyo escarpment and several other potential sites. The viewpoints include Iten,
Chepchonge, Tingwa and Keiyo Aerial Barak which need development to boost their economic potential. Torok
waterfall in Tambach has a great potential for tourism though it is not accessible due to the lack of a road to
the site. Rimoi Conservancy was recently established in the district. The road should be tarmacked and
aggressive marketing undertaken to boost visitors to the reserve. Keiyo district is covered by mobile and
landline telephone services. There are banks, hospitals, and administration services, friendly and welcoming
people.
Koibatek was found to have a relatively low number of tourism sites. Equator crossing is the main feature
among others detailed in the Appendix of this report. The district has four potential attraction sites that need
immediate development. Nyalilpuch viewpoint (where one can see Lake Bogoria like a pool of water) has great
potential with visitors from the Laikipia circuit and others visiting the point, who may wish to camp and take
nature walks. Aggressive marketing will greatly boost this district’s tourism potential.
Marakwet district was found to have an immense tourist potential that remains largely unexploited with the
exception of Kapsait Athletics Training Camp which is active. Eight potential natural tourist attraction sites
mapped include viewpoints, waterfalls and natural forests. One tourist class hotel facility is located in
Kapsowar within the Marakwet Teachers Sacco building. There are, however only sporadic visits by

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international and national tourists. Access roads pose a challenge to the development of the tourism sector in
the district. The roads are not tarmarcked except for a 30km stretch of the Kapsowar-Chesoi road. The Council
must market its tourism resources nationally and internationally by ensuring development of better road
networks. However a tele-communication network is available in the district.
Pokot East district tourist attraction resources were found to be inaccessible to tourists from outside the
district due to poor roads and public insecurity. The tourist attraction sites are only accessible by the locals.
However the Kollowa monument can be accessed through the road leading from Marakwet district.
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRENDS IN TOURISM IN THE REGION
Due to the post-election violence that rocked the country in early 2008 the tourism industry nearly collapsed.
This was obviously a point of concern and discussion with the key players both at the local and national levels
seeking to develop a roadmap to recovery. SNV together with Mid-Rift carried out a quick scan to assess the
extent of damage and solicit ideas from the stakeholders. From the analysis it was realized that the region’s
earnings and visitor arrivals had dropped by about 98%. This is due to the fact that some of the worst violence
took place in the North Rift region of which the Mid-Rift is part of.
Through established partnerships with the UNWTO, the Forum will benefit from market access for Small-to-
Medium Tourism enterprises. Various groups have been identified; e.g. curio dealers, cultural dancers, villages
and tour guides, bird guides and five proposals have already been submitted to the project implementing
committee for funding consideration. Through a similar partnership with Moi University a capacity assessment
will be carried out for the groups and training and a mentoring process will follow.
The existence of the Forum has already stimulated investments in the sector. Koibatek County Council with
support from European Union, through the Forum has invested Kshs five million in the construction of a
tourism information centre at Mogotio. Other local councils are allocating resources to develop their tourism
attraction sites too. The private sector is making valuable contributions to the tourism strategic plan being
developed by the Forum to enhance investments opportunities in the region. Local area Members of
Parliaments with SNV are developing a concept note for submission to Kenya Tourism Board, while exploring
options for sector financing as well.
The inventory and mapping of tourism resources, coupled with conservation and marketing efforts initiated by
the Forum, has brought to light the potential business sense in investigating in the destination. Local councils
are already spending on strategic infrastructure to enhance their revenue base. Communities are setting up
cultural villages and curio shops along the circuit. Tourism has now become a serious enterprise.
Sales for curio operators are on the increase, from an average of Kshs 480 per day/operator. (Source: Equator
Curio Operators) in August 2007 up to Kshs 1,000 now. The value of land next to tourism information centre in
Mogotio has increased by more than 1000%, from an estimated Kshs 80,000 per acre before construction of
the centre up to Kshs 1million. Rental costs for renovated business premises in the town are rising.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR TOURISM CIRCUIT DEVELOPMENT
As more and more land becomes scarce and degraded, the communities in the region continue to face
challenges such as degraded lands, dwindling wildlife resources, hence poor quality of life. At the same time, it
is evident that the region has potential to gain from community-based resource management programmes
that apply ecological principles. The region is endowed with a variety of wildlife in protected sanctuaries,
private and community conservancies. Other products include picturesque sceneries, rivers, lakes, hills, valleys,
plateaus, mountains, semi-arid lands, rich and diverse cultures, archeological sites, etc. Each of the four
districts has unique and special attractions to offer to potential visitors. The region is home to the little known
communities in Kenya such as the Sengwer, Ilchamus, Dorobo and El Molo.
Baringo district is endowed with rare wildlife such as the greater Kudu; hot springs and geysers; lakes (Baringo,
Kamnarok, Kijirtit); forests; holy grounds/shrines; scenic sites (gorges, waterfalls, Tugen Hills, Valleys) and fossil
sites (Kubarsero and Kipsaraman).

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Keiyo district has wildlife, exceptionally attractive scenic sites, sharp undulating escarpments, Kerio Valley,
(hanging valleys and views, waterfalls, gorges), cultural centers, caves and hot springs.
Koibatek district has unique wildlife (Bongo is believed to be existing here, greater Kudu, bird life and
butterflies of Lembus forest), diverse natural land forms, Rift Valley escarpment, caves, hot springs for natural
sauna, equator crosses the district and the highest railway station in the Commonwealth (Timboroa at 9,993 ft
a.s.l.).
Marakwet district has a variety of tourism resources including contrasting landscape sceneries, Kerio Valley,
ancient 18
th
Century irrigation furrows, legendary caves (Tumbo Serun and Kipleloch), legendary pots and
stones, waterfalls, forests, hills, rich culture and rare wildlife (Bongo antelope and the Lammergeyer bird).
Other potential opportunities to boost tourism in the Mid-Rift region manifest in the existence of the following
institutions and services:
 Athletics / sports
 Attractions: scenery, culture, adventure, wildlife, caves, waterfall,
 Human resource/capital
 Potential user/service facilities e.g. camp sites, hotels, lodges, restaurants
 Research development: Kabarson, Kipsaraman, - fossils, birds, primates, reptiles
 Exploration – Koitebes, Fluorspar mines, natural vegetation,
 Regional marketing and information centre
 Political will
 Hospitable communities – secure
 Common culture/language
 Learning institutions – Moi, Kabarak
 Gazette Game Reserves
 Technology
 Infrastructure – roads
 Link between tourism and other industries
The four districts of Koibatek, Baringo, Keiyo and Marakwet having realised the need to cooperate in tourism
activities formed the Mid-Rift Tourism and Wildlife Forum whose main objective is to promote tourism
through community participation. The four districts are part of the larger North Rift region which in itself has a
wider untapped tourism resource potential. The North Rift in general and Mid-Rift in particular, continue to
witness a phenomenal growth in community and private sector tourism and eco-tourism development
initiatives. The 2009-2011 Strategic Plan is a key instrument in the on-going endeavours to develop and tap
from the existing tourism products that are geared towards uplifting the standards of living of the communities
in the region, as well as focus this circuit as an important and unique tourism destination.
This strategic document with contributions from key players and stakeholders in the region will be useful in
providing direction in formulating, implementing and up-scaling tourism activities with the involvement of all
concerned stakeholders.

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NOTED CHALLENGES AND THREATS
Lack of capacity/trained personnel in tourism: Low capacity to leverage natural resource management and
utilization has led to rampant poverty compounded in the inability by local communities to develop tourism
socio-economically. Lack of knowledge, appreciation, interest and skills to undertake tourism enterprises
impact negatively on the community. There is also lack of proper information and/or poor dissemination
mechanisms about tourism.
Lack of/inadequate facilities: The region is still closed out and lack basic supportive tourism amenities
including hotels, lodges, camp sites, etc,
Insecurity: perceived insecurity owing mostly to cattle rustling and competition for scarce natural resources,
have enhanced a collapse in traditional and modern law enforcement structures apart from giving the region
the bad publicity it does not require. Proliferation of small arms in the region has led to destruction of wildlife.
The uncontrolled multiple use of rangelands has led to destruction of wildlife habitats as well as led to severe
environmental degradation. Several important wildlife migration corridors have been closed owing to poor
land use patterns.
Human-wildlife conflict: Owing to growing pressure on land resources, competition between humans and
wildlife has continued to exacerbate. Several wildlife migration corridors have been closed e.g. the elephant
corridor between Malaso and Amaya and also the Arabel in Marakwet district. Wild animals frequently injure
or kill people and livestock or destroy crops and other amenities. Many wild animals are also poached, causing
their population to dwindle rapidly.
Poor infrastructure: The general inaccessibility to key areas of attraction owing to poor roads and
telecommunication networks impacts negatively on the tourism sector in this region. Most of the roads are in
a bad state of disrepair.
Poor marketing strategies: The regions attractions and products have not been marketed aggressively owing
to poor or lack of coordination by the players. The region is yet to acquire a proper identity as a unique
tourism destination.
Intangible wildlife benefits to communities: Existing reserves in the region do not necessarily yield any or
immediate financial benefits to the community. There is less community involvement in wildlife management.
In some areas, communities are exploited by players in the industry.
Negative attitude towards the tourism sector: The tourism sector is inadvertently associated with immorality
and erosion of traditional cultures. Communities tend to perceive any emerging trends that could be beneficial
to them suspiciously.
Other noted challenges include: lack of funds/resources; lack of commitment by key players e.g. respective
County Councils, politicians, Mid-Rift office; slow implementation of programmes/activities; bad/negative
politics; lack of transport; poor networking with other bodies, e.g. NGOs; lack of legal framework for the Mid-
Rift e.g. membership, constitution; Climate change – environmental degradation/desertification; lack of team
work/community social set-up and negative competition; Ignorance/competition.

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STRATEGIC OPTIONS
n order to consolidate its mandate as a leading tourism consortium and realize the stated vision, mission and
strategic objectives, the Mid-Rift Wildlife and Tourism Forum will implement a set of priority activities
organized around one Main Goal supported by three critical Strategies in the 3-year plan for the period 2009-
2011. These are as follows:
Main Goal:
To achieve a 4.4% share of the national total number of local and international visitors to the Mid-Rift by 2011.
Strategies:
11.. Marketing:
Objective: To increase to 200,000 the number of tourists visiting the Mid-Rift;
Strategy: Develop marketing tools and strategy;
Main Actions:
 Conduct and participate in trade fares and exhibitions;
 Develop promotional materials;
 Liaise with media houses and marketing agencies to promote the Mid-Rift;
 Hire a marketing expert.
22.. Provide an enabling environment for investment and resource mobilization:
Objective: To make the Mid-Rift an attractive tourism destination for visitors and investors;
Strategy: Develop mechanisms for lobbying, advocacy and resource mobilization;
Main Actions:
 Organize investment symposiums;
 Organize awareness creation and sensitization campaigns;
 Develop business concept and proposal;
 Develop and inventory of tourism attractions and facilities;
 Identify and conduct research in areas of interest.
33.. Strengthening institutional governance to enhance stakeholder participation:
Objective: To have functional institutions with clear mandates to participate in promotion of tourism
development in the Mid-Rift;
Strategy 1: Develop legal framework and institutional structure
Main Action(s):
 Registration of MRTWF as a company
 Appointment of Board Members
Strategy 2: Operationalise/strengthening of the MRTWF
Main Action(s):
 Hiring of staff;
 Acquire and set-up office/plant and equipment;
 Mobilize stakeholders.
Strategy 3: Build the capacity of stakeholders
Main Action:
 Awareness creation and sensitization.
Strategy 4: Community empowerment;
Main Action:
 Excursions and training.
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MEMBERS
AGM
BOARD
SECRETARIAT
(CEO, TECHNICAL
TEAM)
Products
Development and
Marketing
Committee
Investments
Stimulation and
Finance Committee
Strengthening the
MRTWF Committee
Enabling
Environment
(Advocacy)
Committee
ORGANISATION
he Forum is managed through a Board comprising members representing different entity and interest
groups in the region, through an established secretariat currently being housed in Baringo. The creation of
four taskforces with clear action plans and budgets has further strengthened the organization’s ability to
establish itself as an independent organization, capable of running its own affairs.
MONITORING AND EVALUATION
The Mid-Rift Tour and Wildlife Forum is keen to achieve all the goals in the Strategic Plan by establishing a
monitoring and evaluation system that will enable it keep track of the plans implementation. A monitoring and
evaluation team comprising stakeholders from the private sector will work with the Forum in promoting
effective implementation of the plan. The stakeholders will be drawn from the Board.
The M&E team is expected to operate within specific terms of reference which among others will involve:
 Periodic review of indicators and time-frames as indicated in the plans and other activities;
 Establishment of links with stakeholders for enhanced information dissemination and reporting;
 Compliment efforts by the Forum to achieve results through implementation of transparent and
accountable strategies of conducting business;
 Undertaking site visits to verify M&E reports.
In future, the Forum will appoint an officer with responsibilities to co-ordinate the M&E activities that shall
involve:
 Collecting and analyzing data/information on project management and implementation;
 Conducting periodic reviews of projects in liaison with Departmental heads and stakeholder Forums on
projects and programmes implementation;
 Preparation of periodic M&E reports for tabling in monitoring and evaluation meetings.
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ACTIVITY ACTION PLANS 2009-2011
Strategic Issue: Marketing
OBJECTIVE To increase to 200,000 the number of tourists visiting the Mid-Rift region
STRATEGY ACTIVITIES OUTPUT/OUTCOME INDICATOR ACTOR
TIME
FRAME
INDICATIVE BUDGET (KSHS.)
2009 2010 2011
1. Develop marketing
tools and strategy
 Conduct and participate in
trade fares and
exhibitions
 Trade fares  No. of trade fares and
exhibitions organized,
held and attended
 MRTWF
 Community
 Dev. partners
2009/11 240,000.00 420,000.00 800,000.00
 Develop promotional
materials
 Promotional materials
developed and
disseminated
 No. /kind of
promotional materials
e.g. newsletters,
brochures, signage,
billboards and related
promotional material
 No. /kind of
documentaries
 MRTWF
 Community
2009/11 50,000.00 337,000.00 200,000.00
 Liaise with media houses
and marketing agencies to
promote the Mid-Rift
 Publicity and marketing
program developed and
disseminated
 Marketing agencies
contacted/ established
 Awareness created
 No. of TV, radio and
other programs
produced
 No. of visitors to the
Mid-Rift
 MRTWF
 Community
2009/11 91,000.00 744,000.00 543,200.00
 Hire a marketing expert
 Operationalization of
Mogotio information
centre
 Marketing
consultant/agency hired
 Marketing strategy
330,000.00 660,000.00 780,000.00
TOTAL 711,000.00 1,501,000.00 1,543,200.00

of 16
Strategic Issue: Enabling Environment for Investment and Resource Mobilization
OBJECTIVE To make the Mid-Rift region an attractive tourism destination for visitors and investors
STRATEGY ACTIVITIES OUTPUT/OUTCOME INDICATOR ACTOR
TIME
FRAME
2009 2010 2011
1. Develop
mechanisms for
lobbying, advocacy;
and resource
mobilization
 Organize investment
symposium
 Organize awareness
creation and
sensitization
campaigns
 Investment symposiums
organized
 Awareness creation and
sensitization campaign
organized
 Funds raised
 No. of investment symposiums
held
 No. and kind of investors attracted
to the region
 No. of new investors
 No. of visitors to the Mid-Rift
 No. of awareness and sensitization
campaigns conducted
 No. of people participating in
campaigns
 No. /type of investments
established in Mid-Rift
 MRTWF
 PPP
 LAs
455,000.00 - 591,000.00
2. Establish
partnerships and
linkages with
organizations
 Develop business
concept and proposal
 Develop an inventory
of tourism attractions
and facilities
 Business proposal
 Inventory and profiles
developed
 Tourist sites, circuits and
attractions identified
 Inventory databank/report
 Business proposal(s)
 Circuit map(s)
 MRTWF
 PPP
 LAs
 NGOs
 Dev.
Partners
- 310,000.00 169,000.00
3. Develop research
programme
 Identify and conduct
research in areas of
interest
 Research conducted  Research reports/documentation 
- 110,000.00 140,000.00
TOTAL 455,000.00 420,000.00 900,000.00

of 16
Strategic Issue: Strengthening Institutional Governance to Enhance Stakeholder Participation
OBJECTIVE To have functional institutions with clear mandates to participate in promotion of tourism development in the Mid-Rift
STRATEGY ACTIVITIES OUTPUT/OUTCOME INDICATOR ACTOR TIME FRAME
2009 2010 2011
1. Develop legal
framework and
institutional
structure
 Fresh registration of
MRTWF
 Appointment of Board
members
 Legally registered Board
appointed and in place
 Registration certificate
 Constitution/Articles of
Association
 Functional Board
 Forum
 Community
 Private
sector
 Partners
 LAs
115,000.00 - -
2. Operationalize
/strengthening of
MRTWF
 Hiring of staff
 Acquire and set-up
office (plant) and
equipment
 Mobilize
 Established and working
staff
 Equipment acquired
 Funds availed to run
secretariat
 Fully functional secretariat
 Operational and well
maintained plant and
equipment
 Forum
 Community
 Private
sector
 Partners
 LAs
 NGOs
 MPs
 Donors
1,938,000.00 3,522,000.00 3,522,000.00
3. Build the capacity
of stakeholders
 Awareness creation
and sensitization
 Awareness creation and
sensitization done
 No. of campaigns done
 No. of trained community
members
 Level of participation
 No. of community initiatives
 Forum
 Community
 Private
sector
 Partners
 LAs
 NGOs
 MPs
 Donors
- 104,000.00 135,200.00
4. Community
empowerment
 Excursions and training  Community members
trained

 No. of campaigns done
 No. of trained community
members
 Level of participation
 No. of community initiatives
180,000.00 234,000.00 304,000.00
TOTAL 2,233,000.00 2,860,000.00 3,961,200.00

of 16
ANNEX 1: PARTICIPANTS TO THE STRATEGIC PLANNING FORUM
Name Organization Contact/Tel. No.
John B. Keter Netbon Eco-tourism Project 0725 408 906
Chris K. Rerimoi Trans Rift Trail Guide 0724 409 400
Charles K. Cheruiyot Mogotio Eco-Tourism/Comm. 0722 506 280
Lily C. Kigen Equator Curio - Mogotio 0721 552 351
Joseph Cheruiyot Magharibi TA Eldoret 0722 680 443
Jennifer Koipiri Ilchamus Community Cultural Centre 0720 874 021
Thomas K. Cherop Mosop Keiyo Cultural Group 0727 901 323
Samson K. Mwarey Keiyo Aerial Resort 0722 939 823
Luka C. Tallam County Council of Marakwet 0715 115 837
Cllr. Michael K. Tuitoek Keiyo County Council 0724 674 268
Moses Omurambi Kenya Wildlife Service 0721 617 473
Nicholas Kipchumba Netbon Eco-tourism Project 0724 012 298
Wilson K. Chebii Emsos Eco-Tourism 0724 006 606
Simon K. Marti Baringo Community Development Programme 0729 780 779
Benjamin C. Chirchir Baringo Community Development Programme 0710 379 530
Victor Kimutai Kurgat Rimoi National Reserve 0720 083 234
Julius K. Cheruiyot KWS Baringo/Koibatek 0722 134 706
Wilson K. Leboo Lake Baringo National Reserve 0725 816 809
Nyang’au Edna Travel, Tourism and Hospitality 0725 314 841
John E. B. Williams Kerio View Hotel 0728 102 991
Janet Jeruto Kiboiwo Community Development 0724 923 490
Lawrence Kiplagat Silver Springs CBO 0724 887 761
Peter K. Yator Kabarsero CBO 0727 393 787
Wilson C. Lokopwa Kinyach CBO 0725 248 921
Philemon Olenachuro Baringo County Council 0721 473 478
Joel Kurere Baringo County Council 0721 663 670
David Limo Komen County Council of Keiyo 0720 373 554
Amdany Titus Lake Baringo National Reserve 0721 343 808
Elijah L. Letangule Mid-Rift Tourism and Wildlife Forum 0722 875 068
Jackson Komen Lake Bogoria Education Centre 0726 458 637
Stephen Cheboi Chairman MCC 0721 843 924
Cllr. Amos Kipsat Keu 0713 127 207
Daniel Torokwo Rimoi/Keu 0712 742 919
William Kimosop Chief warden, Koibatek County Council 0720 317 760
Christine Kiecha SNV/Netherlands Development Organization
Joseph Langat SNV/Netherlands Development Organization
Tito Arunga SNV/Netherlands Development Organization
Daniel M. Were Peniel Development Consult 0722 804 824

SP - Mid Rift 2009-2011 Rev. 14-04-09

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