Positive Impact

At the heart of Busia County’s untapped potential lies an opportunity to travel responsibly while leaving a lasting legacy. Our Positive Impact Safaris are designed for conscious travelers who seek more than just a getaway.

Background

busia county

Busia County is home to a variety of natural attractions, including wetlands, forests, rocks, caves and rivers, which are vital for both biodiversity and tourism. It is also a strategic gateway to the Eastern African business corridor, connecting five countries to Kenya. This has transformed Busia into a significant business hub, creating a growing demand for accommodation catering to both business and leisure tourists. Notably, Busia Border ranks as the 3rd highest tourist entry point in Kenya after JKIA and MIA, with Malaba Border standing at number 5. In 2023, Busia Border facilitated 8% of the total tourist arrivals using road transport, surpassing other entry points like Namanga Border 6% and Malaba 2%. This highlights a significant opportunity for Busia’s

retail, hospitality, and tourism sectors, especially when targeting day trippers who visit Busia to eat, drink, shop, and experience the town’s events and ambiance. The county’s tourism sector, however, remains underdeveloped due to environmental degradation and lack of infrastructure. Investing in environmental conservation is crucial for reversing these trends and ensuring that Busia’s natural assets are preserved for future generations.

Furthermore, by promoting eco-tourism, Busia can attract a growing segment of environmentally conscious travellers, thereby increasing tourism revenue and creating jobs for local communities.

To achieve these objectives, the following interventions are proposed:

1. Eco-Tourism Development

 Invest in the development of eco-friendly tourism infrastructure, such as nature trails, eco-lodges, and wildlife sanctuaries. Promote Busia’s natural attractions through targeted marketing campaigns aimed at eco-tourists.

2. Community Engagement and Capacity Building

Conduct workshops and training programs for local communities on sustainable tourism practices, conservation techniques, and the economic benefits of eco-tourism. Encourage community-led conservation initiatives and provide financial incentives for participation.

3. Awareness Campaigns

Launch public awareness campaigns to educate both locals and visitors about the importance of environmental conservation. Utilize social media, local media, and educational programs in schools to disseminate information.

These are some of the expected outcome:

● Increased Tourism: Growth in tourist numbers and length of stay in Busia County, contributing to increased revenue and economic growth.

● Community Empowerment: Enhanced capacity of local communities to participate in and benefit from eco-tourism and conservation efforts.

● Sustainable Development: Establishment of Busia County as a model for sustainable tourism and environmental conservation in Kenya.

This initiative to enhance environmental conservation and tourism in Busia County represents a strategic investment in the county’s future. By preserving its natural resources and promoting sustainable tourism, Busia can position itself as among the leading eco-tourism destination in Kenya, benefiting both the environment and the local economy

Impact

POSITIVE IMPACT

Travelling responsibly is about considering the impact our trips will have on the environment and understanding our influence on the communities and wildlife in the places we visit. It’s about making a tangible difference as a conscious traveler. We will offer a range of safari itineraries that allow you to truly make a different when you travel to Busia and the Western Circuit region. All of our Positive Impact Safaris will include a donation to one or more of the Positive Impact projects and partnerships we are actively involved in supporting across the region. Once-in-a-lifetime experiences that aren’t only good for Busia, but good for the soul.

Whether you’re in search of immersive wildlife conservation experiences, environmental conservations, helping a local self-help group, helping to contribute to anti-poaching efforts, or raising critical funds for school children in rural areas, travel with us and make a positive impact when you travel to the region

Community

THE LOCAL COMMUNITY'S ROLE

The local community is a key stakeholder in sustainable development and has to be taken on board. The Community has to be made aware of the benefits of sustainable adventure and Ecotourism, their apprehensions if any have to be allayed and they have to be encouraged to participate and be part of the value chain. In order to ensure inclusive and responsible tourism, most of the supplies and services must be sourced from local providers. Their capacity building will have to be done to ensure they become part of the supply chain

Busia Tourism is proud to work with and support a fantastic collection of independent, innovative and inspiring community development projects. We are committed to playing our part in building an inclusive and prosperous future for all, where travel spend has a tangible, positive impact. It’s a win-win for once-in-a-lifetime experiences while contributing to education, community empowerment and infrastructure in the places we visit.

To help us deliver positive impact to local communities we have established long-term, collaborative partnerships to create meaningful change for the people of Busia.

We don’t want to just give back, we want to empower, and it’s woven into the fabric of everything we do. The way we travel today will empower the communities of tomorrow and leave a lasting impact.

Environment

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

We are committed to and support sustainable tourism. Tourism that take full account of the current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of the tourists, the tourism industry, the environment and the host communities

Tourism can only be sustainable if the natural assets on which it is based are protected from degradation. This is particularly true in Africa, which is variously marketed as a nature, wildlife, resort and cultural heritage destination
Biodiversity is vital for all life on Earth, and forests are vibrant ecosystems that support a wide array of plant and animal species. By planting a diverse range of tree species, we create habitats for various plants, insects, birds, and animals, fostering a balanced and resilient ecosystem. Researchers have discovered that up to 2.3 million living species can depend on a single tree

Reforested areas become havens for endangered species and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity hotspots. The restoration of natural habitats enables wildlife populations to recover and thrive. The interdependence of different species within the ecosystem ensures the long-term survival of diverse flora and fauna

Environmental sustainability is therefore a fundamental aspect of our initiatives. Busia Tourism stands steadfast in its commitment to addressing the challenges conservation, concurrently promoting a more environmentally friendly and sustainable ecosystem

Wildlife

conserving wildlife

By conserving wildlife, we’re ensuring that future generations can enjoy our natural world and the incredible species that live within it. To help protect wildlife, it’s important to understand how species interact within their ecosystems, and how they’re affected by environmental and human influences.

Wildlife is crucial to nature’s delicate balance. The Busia County and the Western Circuit is home to iconic and key species that are under serious threat from habitat loss and poaching. Mammoth efforts are being made across the region to assist with habitat management, wildlife reintroductions and translocations, monitoring programmes, and gathering research that’s vital for adequate protection measures.

We will partner with some of the pioneers on the front lines of protecting our wildlife. The reputable partners are the heroes of wildlife protection movements, and we are committed to ensuring that they have our full and unwavering support, while also assisting in the education of on-the-ground initiatives.

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