The French government has financed the facelift of the Marsabit National Park in Kenya as part of plans to alleviate human-wildlife conflict.

Kenya has witnessed an increase in human wildlife conflict incidents. Two months ago, six lions were killed on the outskirts of Nairobi after straying into a residential area.

The French Government will disburse 8 million euros ($10 million) while the French Global Environmental Facility will release an additional 1.5 million euros ($2 million) grant to support the project.

According to reports by the Business Daily newspaper, the Kenyan government will also chip in 2.4 million euros ($3 million).

The 1.2 billion shillings ($14 million) initiative seeks to protect the Marsabit National Park which hosts elephants, zebras, lions, leopards and buffaloes, which are a huge attraction for tourists.

Information on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website indicate the park comprises of densely forested mountain and three crater lakes that provide habitat for a variety of birdlife.

The park shot into the limelight in the 1970’s after one of its elephants named Ahmed was provided with 24 hours security surveillance by presidential decree to demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to wildlife conservation.

“The project is expected to be approved by the minister of Finance any time now. Then Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife and KWS will work on conditions of effectiveness provided by the French Development Agency,” Edwin Wanyonyi, the KWS head of resource mobilisation told the Business Daily.

Kenya is famous for its wild animals. In-fact, retired Chinese NBA star Yao Ming is currently in Kenya shooting a documentary aimed at creating awareness on the need to protect elephants and rhinos in Kenya.

The French government has in the past funded a similar project at the Meru National Park at a cost of 1.7 billion shillings ($20 million).