Kenya and China have deepened their relations yet again -- this time to upgrade part of the Nairobi National Park. The initiative between the Kenya Wildlife Services and the Kenya China Economic and Trade Association aims to improve conservation education among young people.
China has donated around 37,000 dollars to upgrading this recreational and educational facility at the Nairobi National Park.
Big cats, antelope, zebra and other animals call this home. Orphaned or rescued, they're taken in and cared for. Visitors - both young and old -- come here to learn about the animals and their habitats.
But the facility is in desperate need of a facelift. Some of the funds from the latest collaboration between Kenya and China will go towards information display boards, improved foot paths and the revamping of this small museum.
The nature trail -- dotted with indigenous trees -- is popular among children and adults, who are keen to learn about the only national park in the world located within a capital city.
"This programme will also sponsor 500 less privileged children for educational retreats to promote better wildlife conservation awareness among young people in this country and the Chinese community," said Liu Xianfa, Chinese ambassador to Kenya.
Humans remain the biggest threat to wildlife. And China has implemented strict laws to combat the illegal trade in animals.
"We would like to appreciate perhaps the most important initiative that the government of China has done, to declare they would be closing down domestic markets for ivory and rhino horn," said Kitili Mbathi, director general of Kenya Wildlife Services.
"In future we will continue to contribute to Kenya's conservation education programmes and we wish we could contribute our share to the future of Kenya wildlife for a better tomorrow," said Zhang Haifeng, chairperson of Kenya China Economic and Trade Association.
Over the past three years, China-Kenya collaborations in wildlife conservation have reached unprecedented heights. China is investing millions of dollars in Kenya's infrastructure, with bridges and tunnels to ensure the continued free movement of animals in the country's nature reserves.
