Nairobi — Lake Elementaita has been gazetted as a wildlife sanctuary. It is home to thousands of flamingoes, pelicans and crested grebe, among other bird species.

The move is a major economic boost for Nakuru County, which is likely market it as a tourist destination.

“We expect more hotels to come up around the area and this will create employment opportunities,” Kenya Wildlife Service corporate communications manager Paul Udoto said in a telephone interview on Friday.

Nakuru was recently declared the fastest growing town in Africa by UN Habitat. The growth has been attributed to, among others, the tourist arrivals at the Lake Nakuru National Park.

Some 29 hotels have been built in the last six years to cater for the high tourists numbers, creating jobs and market for produce.

Local leaders expect the gazettement of Lake Elementeita to spur more growth.

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