As in many heavily used protected areas, the
standards and behaviour of some drivers and guides within
the
MMNR is a major issue that impacts on both the
Reserve’s tourism product and its sensitive wildlife
and
habitats. Poor driver/guide behaviour particular
relates to the regular vehicle congestion that occurs in
the
area (most notably around large carnivores, other
“Big Five” species, and migration river
crossings), approaching
too close to wildlife, and off-road driving.
Although many of the higher-end operators do employ
experienced
and qualified guides who are at least aware that
they may be breaking Reserve rules, many of the
lower-end operators do not. In addition, during
busy times of year some companies also internally
redeploy
unqualified staff to driving duties or take on
seasonal staff (and vehicles), all of whom are less likely to
be
aware of the MMMR rules and regulations, and who
are less able to provide visitors with a quality
wildlife
viewing experience.
In response, and in order to ensure that
only bona fide and appropriately licensed tourism
operators are utilising
the Reserve, MMNR entrance gate staff will ensure
that all PSVs entering the Reserve are
displaying
“Tourist Vehicle Stickers” (as
stipulated in Legal Notice No. 97 under Cap 381 of the Laws of
Kenya). These
stickers are only issued to the registered
vehicles of tour operators that have obtained a “Regulated
Tourist
Licence” (also under CAP 381).
Entrance gate staff will also ensure that all driver/guides have an
appropriate
and up-to-date Tourism Licence (specified as
Citizen/Non-Citizen Tour/Driver Guides- Class C
(8)/B(8))28
before being permitted entrance to the Reserve.
The enforcement of these national regulations will help
reduce
the use of inexperienced drivers and inappropriate
vehicles in the MMNR.
In addition, in accordance with similar
requirements and scheduling for KWS managed PAs, in future
all
PSVs in the MMNR will be required to be painted in
earth colours (e.g. dark green, brown or beige). In
order
to avoid difficult situations at Reserve entrance
points where a driver may arrive with guests and not
be
permitted to enter the area, the enforcement of
both tourism licence and vehicle colouration
requirements
will need to be well publicised, in collaboration
with KTF and KATO, and there will also need to be an
adequate
lead-in period before their enforcement to allow
tour operators to prepare for the changes.
