Thompson Falls, located in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, is one of the major tourist attractions in the country.

Entrepreneurs around the area are a happy lot, as their businesses thrive because of the high demand for services needed by both local and international tourists.

Some of the businesses around the area include attire shops, art and craft shops, hotels, and recreational areas. The recreation sector, being one of the businesses located on the outskirts of the falls, has also been thriving as more tourists and residents of the area continue to visit the scenery.

Kennedy Kimani, owner of a merry-go-round, horses, and swing, said that the sector has been thriving because of the many people visiting the area who promote the business and that it is his only source of income.

‘This business has been thriving a lot because of the many visitors and residents who promote me, and this is my only source of income,’ he said.

He added that his services are affordable, so each person can enjoy them despite thei
r social class. He said they are also secure as they are all well maintained, and he ensures that safety measures such as fastening belts in swings are done before the swings are used.

‘My services are very affordable to everyone, whether you are a foreign tourist or a local, and they have regular maintenance and checkups, which makes them very secure,’ he added.

He also recounted the challenges he faces in the recreation sector, where he said he faces the challenge of ensuring the safety of both the horses and the riders. He said he does this by setting protocols and equipment that most riders tend not to follow or use, leading to accidents. Further, the horses require regular care and veterinary check-ups, feeding, and grooming, which are expensive.

‘Horses require a lot of maintenance, which is usually expensive, and some riders do not follow the protocols, hence leading to injuries to both the rider and the horse,’ he narrated.

Mary-go-rounds and swings, on the other hand, have a challenge of maintena
nce as they sometimes receive mechanical breakdowns and need to be repaired.

‘I always ensure my swings are in good condition, and if they breakdown, I repair them, although it is quite expensive,’ he said.

He urged Kenyans to continue supporting each other to uplift the economy of the country, especially local businesses.

Source: Kenya News Agency