Today, you will not TravelWithEliud as usual. This is because I have a sad story. A story that has disturbed my mind for three days now. On 4th July 2018, I was back at Nairobi National Park with Safiri Nasi. I will not go into details because I did that earlier on True wilderness experience within Nairobi. This is the only park within a city in the world. It offers a wilderness experience to visitors who cannot make it to other parks a distance from Nairobi. Hold that thought…. Technology and infrastructure is changing the world. Every country is working hard to adopt and equip itself with modern technology for economic competitiveness. Because of its intensive use of infrastructures, the transport sector is an important component of the economy and a common tool used for development. This is even more so in a global economy where economic opportunities have been increasingly related to the mobility of people, goods and information. In Kenya, the Standard Gauge Railway in under construction. Phase one was completed last year and has been in operation. Phase two is on course and sadly, it passes through Nairobi National Park. There have been concerns from professionals drawn from environment, tourism and wildlife sectors about its effect on Nairobi National park Eco-system. These concerns have met a deaf ear. Nothing is going to stop the railway from cutting though the park. In a few weeks, it will be complete judging from what I witnessed. However, this is not what made me sad. While heading to Mokoiyet picnic site, I met this couple (I will call them Eliud and Esther). The couple looked happy and excited to see us. They were busy feeding while taking a stroll in their empire. The rains have brought goodness and plenty of food. The empire looks green and beautiful. This couple must be enjoying every moment of it. Eliud promised Esther a greener pasture on the other side of the world. Esther got excited and followed him. Eliud led the way and crossed the road behind our vehicle (this reminds me of “why did the hen cross the road”). “Come on follow me” Eliud Exclaimed. Esther followed religiously. After getting on the other side of the road, Eliud notices a structure. A very strange structure. Not common in their territory He looked surprised. You know that feeling when you promise something and then another thing stands in your way? He started moving up, trying to find another route. Esther followed probably with a lot of questions too. Eliud found a through way. A road that would allow him fulfill his promise to Esther. He decides to use the road, but before entering the through way, a lorry crosses from one side to the other. He got afraid. He alerts Esther that it was not safe. Esther sprints to where Eliud was for safety and protection. They both stopped and looked at the strange structures. Everything seems so new to them. Eliud can no longer take Esther to the Promised Land. His dreams and ambition are cut short. They both walk back to where they came from evidently with a lot of questions. This is a sad story, mainly because humans have interfered with the wildlife Eco-system. Animals and birds are used to transverse the park. When they come across a strange structure on a path they are used to, they get devastated and stressed. Probably wildlife stress will reduce once they remove the fence, but what about the train vibration? What about the remaining pillars? How long will it take the wildlife to adjust?
In the words of Mohammed Hersi, I remain an optimist. Until next time, Keep travelling! Click on ‘comments’ below to comment
8 Comments
Mercy
7/7/2018 06:29:31 pm
The harsh reality of technology :(
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TravelWithEliud
7/8/2018 04:11:25 pm
And short-cuts. It's not like there wasn't another route it would have used
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7/7/2018 09:27:53 pm
It reminds me of the story that talked of a man with hay, a goat and a leopard yet he had one boat to take all on the other side of the river I believe we have solved this since the back covers of the calendars. But from the pressure of technology and greed for ease of movement we have loaded the goat all together with the hay and a hungry leopard I doubt we shall make it to the other bank of the river. I am worried of the future of our heritage especially Nairobi National Park
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TravelWithEliud
7/10/2018 08:46:00 am
This is mostly ignorance, shallow mindedness and Greed!
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Jeremiah N
7/9/2018 09:56:31 am
This is the most touching story have read in 2018!!
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TravelWithEliud
7/10/2018 08:47:31 am
A very Sad affair!
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David Baker
7/17/2018 11:23:34 pm
Whilst I don't know the long term effects I would actually feel more positive depending on how things are handled. In the UK much of our transport infrastructure actually provides important wildlife corridors. The areas to each side of our major roads and railways are normally planted up with trees and bushes. The wildlife learns when it is safe to cross and when to stay on one side. These corridors though end up connecting larger ranges and allowing more freedom of movement. I'm sure the short term effect will be detrimental and have a negative impact but hopefully the longer term picture is more positive. That said our wildlife is not as large as what is found in Kenya. I also wonder whether some decisions - such as not making a dual line system - may be regreted long term and limit the long term usefulness.
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TravelEithEliud
6/12/2019 08:42:11 pm
Thank you David for passing by,
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