This archive report was first published on 5 January 2020.
On February 14, the Karoga Festival is scheduled to take place in Hell's Gate National Park, Nakuru County, in less than two months.
Initially gazetted as a national park for its spectacular geological scenery and high density of birds of prey, Hell's Gate is home to a critically endangered Ruppell's vulture colony, with 20-25 cliff nest ledges.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this species has declined by 80% over the past 20 years and only nests on cliffs.
Additionally, the park is a major foraging area for migrant raptors, a nesting site for Verreaux's eagles, and a habitat for several species of falcons, eagles, and owls.
However, the festival's expected attendance of 15,000 people over two days, with loud music and potential fire risks, poses a significant threat to the park's sensitive raptor population.
Human activity can result in nest site abandonment and a reduction in annual offspring produced per nest rates, which can have long-term negative effects on the community.
Plains game such as zebras, warthog, and giraffe will temporarily relocate, but a nesting raptor cannot move an active nest site, especially if on a cliff face.
Therefore, the organisers should consider moving the festival to a venue that will not result in further damage to our stressed and declining wildlife.
