By Alex Matimu
alexmatimu@gmail.com
In an effort to empower Mt. Kenya guides and porters, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Tharaka Nithi County Government conducted a three days training for the Chogoria based guides, porters and cooks. A total of 72 guides and porters were trained on different topics including outdoor trekking techniques, ecotourism, customer service, marketing, first aid and mountain search and rescue. The training took place at the Anabas Mt. Kenya Lodge, which is located inside Mt Kenya National Park at an altitude of 3000m above sea level.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony for the training, the KWS Deputy Director in charge of Partnerships and Enterprise, Mr. Simon Gitau, commended the guide and porters for their dedication in their work and taking care of the environment. Ms. Moreen Nyambura, the Tharaka Nithi County CEC in charge of the Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism also appreciated the guides and porters role in promoting tourism within the county. She promised further support to the group.
Guides and porters play a very crucial role by accompany visitors and carrying their luggage, food stuff and cooking equipment. The guides hike with the visitors giving them information about the mountain, the route, flora and fauna. The porters and the cooks hike ahead of the visitors to the next camp to set the camp and prepare meals. In case of rescue operation, the team is of great assistance as they literally carry the victim and the belongings to safety. Regular capacity building for this group is thus very important.
Mt Kenya is duo hemisphere, UNESCO biosphere reserve. With Batian peak at 5199 meters above sea level, Mt. Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa. An ascent proves an irresistible attraction to mountaineers. Although the two highest peaks, Batian and Nelion can only be reached by technical climbing, the third peak Point Lenana (4,985m), can be reached by any fit hiker.
The mountain has three official climbing routes which are Narumoru, Sirimon and Chogoria. Chogoria route is the most scenic as it passes through some beautiful lakes and tarns in the mountain. There are over 30 lakes and tarns.