The United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) and the Global Environment Fund (GEF) have partnered in a move that will see new jobs created within the tourism sector. Kenya is set to receive KES 220 million in funding which will be used to set up environment sensitization projects in local communities as the country gears towards rural development in the tourism industry.

The joint venture is also aimed at creating employment for members of local communities living around biodiversity hotspots like the Cherengani Hills, Kakamega Forest and the Ngong Forest. The Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) has also identified other attractions in a bid to showcase other parts of the country as part of their own initiative.

According to the UNDP, the merger will ensure that Kenyans benefit from localized tourist attractions instead of otherwise sitting in the sidelines as the government generates most of the revenue. The move will also contribute to infrastructure development in rural areas. However, the GEF states that one of their main priorities is to conserve the country’s natural environment while still empowering local communities.

The two Fund organizations will also work hand in hand with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in order to jump-start the project as soon as possible.