The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued a notice warning visitors and tour operators of temporary access disruptions at Tsavo East National Park following ongoing heavy rainfall.
In the advisory released on Friday, February 27, the agency confirmed that some key access routes within the park have been rendered impassable.
"Visitors and tour operators are advised that the following access routes are currently impassable due to ongoing heavy rainfall: Malindi – Sala Gate; and Sala Gate – Aruba Area," the agency said.
However, KWS assured visitors that alternative access points remain open and operational to ensure continued access to the park.
"Visitors are encouraged to use the following alternative entry points: Bachuma Gate; and Voi Gate (via Voi). Visitor safety remains our highest priority, and we sincerely appreciate your cooperation and understanding during these temporary disruptions," the agency added.
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This comes a day after KWS issued a warning after four suspects were arrested with an estimated 2,000 kilograms of zebra meat in an intelligence-led operation in Kiambu and Nairobi counties.
In a statement on Thursday, February 26, KWS said the operation was conducted in Gikambura, Kiambu County, with follow-up enforcement at Dagoretti Market in Nairobi, leading to the recovery of large quantities of suspected bushmeat.
"KWS officers, working with a multi-agency team, carried out an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected bushmeat activities in Gikambura, Kiambu County, with follow-up enforcement at Dagoretti Market, Nairobi," the statement read.
KWS detailed the items recovered during the raid, including de-boned meat, and confirmed the arrest of four suspects.
"The operation led to the recovery of six sacks of suspected de-boned zebra meat, one fully skinned zebra carcass, and 15 frozen meat packages (≈250g each). The total consignment is estimated at approximately 2,000kg, plus 7.5kg of packaged frozen meat. Four suspects were arrested, and investigations are ongoing," the statement added.
KWS further reminded the public that hunting and trading in wildlife without proper authorization is illegal under Kenyan law.
"Kenyan law prohibits the killing, possession, transportation, or trade in wildlife without lawful authority under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, Cap 376. Section 131(2) of the Public Health Act, Cap 242, also bans the sale or distribution of uninspected meat intended for human consumption," the statement continued.
The agency also cautioned that consuming bushmeat obtained outside regulated systems poses significant health dangers.
"Bushmeat handled outside regulated veterinary systems poses serious public health risks, exposing handlers and consumers to zoonotic diseases through unsafe slaughter, handling, storage, and preparation," the statement concluded.
