This archive report was first published on 6 September 2019.
Published on September 6, 2019, a tragic incident at Hell's Gate National Park in Naivasha, Nakuru County, has exposed the Kenya Wildlife Service's (KWS) lack of concern for visitor safety.
The park, a popular tourist destination, has a history of fatal incidents, including a 2012 tragedy where seven members of a church group were swept away in furious floods.
On this occasion, seven people, including five members of a family, lost their lives after being swept away by flash floods while visiting the park.
Their bodies were found 50 kilometres away, a grim reminder of the dangers that visitors face at the park.
Despite the park's name, Hell's Gate, serving as a warning, the KWS has failed to take tangible measures to prevent such tragedies.
Visitors to the park are not provided with protective gear, and there are no clear warnings about the dangers of flash floods.
The KWS must take immediate action to enhance safety measures at the park and other tourist attractions across the country.
Visits to the park have been suspended, but this should be a wake-up call for the KWS to prioritize visitor safety.
