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
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