This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
Located on the shores of Lake Baringo, the Lake Baringo Snake Park has been steadily gaining popularity since its inception in 2003. The park has not only become a tourist attraction but also a hub for promoting awareness about snakes and reducing the burden of snakebites in the region.
According to Willy Limo, the park's curator, the drive to push awareness among residents is propelled by recently amended Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) laws, under which snakebite cases will no longer be compensated, despite their burden on the region.
On average, more than 10 people are bitten by snakes daily in Baringo County, with three fatalities and the rest sustaining permanent disabilities. To combat this issue, the park has set up an educational centre to push an awareness campaign among residents.
Residents like Joseph Ekai and Jane Jelimo have praised the initiative, stating that it has helped them make informed decisions when encountering snakes. They now know the type of snakes within the area, their colours, and behaviour, and no longer kill snakes on their own.
Ms Jelimo added that she now knows different behaviours of snakes, those that can attack during the day and the nocturnal ones, making it easier to identify them in cases of snakebites. The park also provides information on the kind of snakes in some hot spots and precautionary measures to take.
On a good day, the park attends up to 2,000 visitors, and charges Sh200 per head. Visitors are taught to identify different kinds of snakes, their behaviour, and how to avoid bites. Snake handlers also visit hot spots in Kerio Valley, Mogotio, Tiaty, and Baringo North, South, and Central to sensitise residents.
As of October 10, 2019, the park was showcasing at least 15 species of venomous and non-venomous snakes, including puff adders, black mambas, and cobras. These snakes are prevalent in drier parts of the country and are major causes of injuries and deaths.
