Avifauna Conservation: Kitui’s Hidden Gem for Ecotourism

In the arid landscapes of Kitui County, where nature whispers resilience, a transformation is taking root in Mutito and Muumoni Hill Forests.
Once victims of human encroachment and ecosystem degradation, these gazetted dryland forests now stand as beacons of hope and biodiversity.
Spearheaded by local conservation efforts, they are becoming sanctuaries for rare bird species and hubs for ecotourism.
Reviving Livelihoods by Restoring Nature
Conservation in these hill forests isn’t just about saving birds; it’s a lifeline for the local community.
With over 215 bird species documented in Mutito Hills and 152 in Muumoni by 2017, these areas have been proposed as Important Bird Areas (IBAs).
Their recognition by BirdLife International promises both ecological preservation and economic opportunities.
From establishing bird surveys to training local groups in governance and environmental stewardship, the initiative has empowered communities.
The result? A thriving ecosystem that supports not only birds but also people.
Local entrepreneurs now guide bird-watching tours, host camping enthusiasts, and even venture into nature-based enterprises like honey production.
A Blueprint for Dryland Conservation
With just KSh 3 million, the project laid a foundation for sustainable conservation. However, lessons from Kitui emphasize the need for more significant investment.
Expanding such initiatives countywide could amplify their impact, integrating climate adaptation strategies and sustainable income-generating activities for residents.
But the most profound lesson is perhaps the simplest: Partnerships matter.
Collaborative efforts between the County Government of Kitui, Nature Kenya, and the National Museums of Kenya have been pivotal.
By sharing expertise and resources, these stakeholders have crafted a model for conserving Kenya’s dryland biodiversity.
Ecotourism: The Road Ahead
As the world grapples with climate change, Kitui offers a hopeful narrative.
Imagine a visitor’s journey through rugged landscapes dotted with rock outcrops, scrubland vegetation, and vibrant birdlife.
The potential for ecotourism is immense. For Kitui County, it’s not just about conserving nature – it’s about creating sustainable futures.
If there’s one takeaway from Mutito and Muumoni, it’s that conservation is not a luxury. It’s an investment in people, biodiversity and a thriving planet.

Mozzart gifts Nuu community in Kitui with a fresh water point worth Ksh.3M

While substantial progress has been made in increasing access to clean drinking water, millions of people mostly in rural areas, still lack this basic need.

According to statistics worldwide, one in three people do not have access to safe drinking water.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also demonstrated the critical importance of sanitation, hygiene and adequate access to clean water for preventing and containing diseases.

It is with this in mind that Mozzart commissioned its eight water project in the Kyumbe Primary School in Wingemi Location, Kitui Country.

Mozzart has continued to show support to the people of Kenya through Social Responsibility and initiative “Action 100 Wells” which aims to deliver clean and safe drinking water to needy communities by drilling boreholes.

The head teacher, Mr Robert Wambua, thanked Mozzart for the gesture.

“Thank you Mozzart for what you have done. This is a very great resource for the people in this community. You have solved a big water problem that has been with us for years. We had pupils walking 25 kms with 5 litres of water everyday but that burden has now been relieved. The burden has also been lifted off the backs of the parents thanks to Mozzart,”

Area Chief Geoffrey Mutiango echoed Wambua’s sentiments.

“On behalf of people of Wingemi Location and parents at large I can’t express how these people feel. We want to say thank you on behalf of them. We have approximately of 80,000 people residing in this location and we will ensure this serves them all. We have suffered together and we are now going to enjoy together. This is good news to us and I want to also ensure that we will give this project maximum security it deserves for it to serve us for a very long time.”, he said.

Mozzart Marketing Manager Frank Ochieng urged the local leadership to ensure the project benefits as many people within the area as possible.

“This is the eighth borehole we have successfully commissioned and we are very proud and happy to support the Nuu community. Six out of the eight boreholes are powered by solar pumps to sort out the problem with electricity outages, but most importantly in areas not yet connected to the national electricity grid. Since Mozzart has enabled the water to come up, my humble plea to the area leadership in charge of water is to lobby to ensure the water is piped for it to reach many more residents of Nuu,” he said.

So far Mozzart has commissioned fresh water points in Munguini Secondary School in Maragua, Muranga County, Imbo Kothidha, Homabay County, Lurambi Primary School, Kakamega County, Chebunyo Dispensary, Bomet County and Katanga Secondary School.

Others include Machakos County, Murumba Market, Busia County, Kakili Primary School, Makueni County and now Kyumbe Primary School, Kitui County.

The total cost of this project at Nuu is Ksh 2,964,044.