THE STANDARD
NATIONAL
Saiwa Swamp National Park entrance [Courtesy]
A few decades ago, business flourished in market centres surrounding Saiwa, the smallest National Park in Kenya.
Saiwa is home to the endangered sitatunga antelope and the rare crane birds, which attract tourists to the park overlooking Cherangany hills to the East and the Sinyereri stream meandering from the north towards the park’s tail end before pouring into River Nzoia.
Saiwa National Park is sandwiched between Cherangany hills and Sinyeyeri stream creating a serene environment. Residents benefited from foreign tourists purchasing traditional artifacts. However, human activities are leading to environmental degradation.