The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) is in the process of undertaking documentation and gazettement of important heritage sites within the Kisumu and Kakamega counties, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza has said.

Malonza, who had toured Kisumu said this will offer new products and experiences, reinventing tourism in the region.

"I also urge NMK to work closely with the local communities in the two counties in order to enhance their livelihoods," she added. 

The CS said this can be done through joint projects such as crafting, dancing and music for cultural tourism products.

"Let NMK collaborate with Kisumu to develop a cultural festival for the County with specific themes annually like Fish Fiesta Festival," she said. 

Malonza noted that Kisumu is a great spot for tourism activities, considering it has attraction sites on both land and water.

"It is here in Kisumu County that we have the Impala Sanctuary and Ndere Island National Park, just to mention a few," she said.

She spoke on Friday during the Fish Fiesta event and the launch of Kisumu my pride marketing strategy and campaign for the city.

The Impala Sanctuary is a facility that has both free-roaming and captive wildlife in standard enclosures.

It hosts impalas, the rare Sitatunga antelope as well as big cats, buffalos, and giraffes, among others.

The sanctuary is also home to five campsites which have spectacular views of Lake Victoria. 

Activities available at the sanctuary include bird watching, nature walks, and glass-bottomed boat rides.

"On the other hand, located on Lake Victoria, Ndere Island National Park is a haven for birds, with over 100 different species of birds including African fish eagles, black-headed gonoleks and grey-headed kingfishers," Malonza noted.

She acknowledged that the lake shore also supports a wide variety of animals including hippos, monitor lizards, Nile crocodiles, several fish species, snakes, baboons, impalas, the rare sitatunga antelopes, water bucks, zebras and warthogs.

"Truly, it deserves the nickname 'Island of Serenity and Beauty'," she said. 

Malonza said it is the right time to draft the management plans for both the Impala Sanctuary and Ndere Island National Park.

The plans, she said, will offer a framework that will encourage people to work together to conserve and enhance the uniqueness of these places for the benefit of all.

"I want to assure you all that we are going to work with the private sector enterprises located in various parts of the country to promote affordable travel," CS Malonza said.