KTB chuffed with tourism opportunities explored during Mt. Kenya Trail Series

In a media briefing at the shores of Lake Ellis on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya National Park during the third day of Mount Kenya Trail Series, Njoroge said KTB is committed to working with county authorities to package unique tourism products, capable of attracting both local and international tourists.

Specifically with the Magical Kenya Trail Series, the Board is using sports tourism intertwined with other viable attractions in different counties, to unlock the huge potential in the sector, according to Njoroge.

“We began this to highlight the trail – hiking and mountain running products, and we have so far made great strides. Specifically for the Mount Kenya Trail Series, we have already traversed five Counties; Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru. The idea is to open up the Mount Kenya circuit in terms of adventure, sports running, wellness and in terms of cultural immersion for the visitors who come to these places,” noted Njoroge.

“We have observed that different counties within Kenya are at different levels of product developments, in terms of packaging and putting together tourism attractions for the purpose of being promoted both for local and international audiences. So, there are counties with well established tourism adventure offerings where on a very regular and constant basis, Kenyans especially in hiking groups are visiting these areas experiencing what the attractions are. For such in that ready state, we are focusing on pushing the numbers to get more people visiting.

“For those that are not ready, we are closely working with County governments to help them in product development,” further elucidated Njoroge, giving examples of Meru County, whose Chogoria Gate route into Mount Kenya is well established and popular for visitors, heading to Lake Ellis.

“The County has many more hidden gems that we want to work hand in hand with the County government to highlight them and develop them so that the potential they hold can be fully exploited,” Njoroge added.

Lake Ellis is a scenic, high-altitude lake on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya National Park, named after Thomas Evelyn Scott-Ellis, a British colonial explorer. Known for its trout population and tranquil atmosphere, it's a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and trekking on the Chogoria route towards the summit.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views, discover wildlife, and appreciate the cultural significance of this pristine glacial lake, which was the case of the hikers and cyclists who traversed tens of kilometers to reach the destination.

At the same time, Meru County Deputy Governor Linda Kiome has welcomed the initiative by the KTB, saying a lot can be achieved through such partnerships.

“We are happy that we have taken the magical trail with the entire team of Tembea Kenya as well as the Kenya Tourism Board. We are also happy that we are partnering henceforth, to open up tourism here in Meru County and especially Lake Ellis. We are very enthusiastic and intentional about opening new areas of tourism, which can generate revenues and give our young people employment,” said Kiome.

“We want to train people through the Meru Youth Service to take up mountain climbing which has not been so popular here, to ensure the sport is embraced and therefore beneficial not only for the visitors from a far but also the locals,” she added.

The 2025 Mount Kenya Trail Series will culminate on Sunday September 7, with the last highlight event being the Meru University Mountain Run.