The free entry to all-Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) managed parks countrywide as declared by the government, must have sparked excitement among residents as hundreds of them thronged Nakuru National Park to celebrate Jamhuri day.

According to Mr. Gitari he got to the park by 8 am to bring his family before he could proceed to work.

“I am excited to bring my family here today. It has been long since we visited the park but I am glad the free entry provided us with an opportunity to tour the place. This should be done more often,” he said.

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As more people trickled to the park, the high number of vehicles brought about a snarl up. Inspections at the entry points also led to a build-up of traffic but this did not deter the excitement that the people had.

At the inspection area, vehicles which had exceeded capacity were requested by KWS wardens to drop off some passengers lest they be denied entry.

KWS officers inspect vehicles entering Lake Nakuru National Park on December 12, 2023.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

On the flip side, those who did not have their own vehicles were forced to watch from the periphery of the park, as others streamed in to enjoy themselves. Most of them spread their Leso’s and rested on the grass.

Others would be seen asking for a ride from those whose vehicles had slots.

Mercy Mitei noted that she travelled from Subukia with the thought that the KWS bus will be provided for those who are not fortunate enough to own vehicles.

She noted that she and her two daughters hope that someone will offer them a ride so that they could enjoy the show as the rest.

Also Watch: What Jamhuri Day means for Nakuru residents

In an interview with Mtaa Wangu, Assistant Director at Lake Nakuru National Park, Titus Mitau said it was not possible to provide the bus to residents today since the government had already announced free entry.

“We would need to charge the visitors some fee for operating costs so that the bus is used. However, this would have gone against the government directive,” he said.

Karate Kids from Bondeni entertaining residents at the Kamukunji grounds during Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2023.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

On the other end, Nakuru East Jamhuri celebrations at the Kamukunji grounds had a low turnout. A huge chuck of those who turned up at the event were children.

Even at that, there were great performances by Diamond Melodies women group, GSU band and karate kids from Bondeni among other performances to entertain those who had turned up.

Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibara oversees the parade at kamukunji grounds on December 12, 2023.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Related: Remembering how Nakuru marked Jamhuri Day years ago

Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibara graced the event as the chief guest. Also in attendance was Nakuru City Manager Gitau Thabanja and Biashara Ward MCA Fadhili Msuri among other county officials.

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Nakuru residents spend Jamhuri day in the wild

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