The Kenyan government has earmarked funds for the repair of the Narok-Sekenani road to improve travel to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The road funding comes after numerous complaints from tourism players and protests from tour drivers and guides.

Hoteliers and tour operators were worried that the bad condition of the road might affect visits to the popular Kenyan park at a time when the wildebeest migration has just begun.

Recently, tour drivers and guides blocked the Narok-Bomet road to protest against the pathetic condition of the 82km Narok-Sekenani road.

Kenya’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister, James Macharia, has indicated that the construction of the road will commence in three weeks’ time.

The Ministry of Roads through the Kenya National Highways Authority, said emergency works were under way to pave the way for major works within three weeks.

“The Narok-Sekenani road is vital as both local and international tourists use it to get to the Maasai Mara National Reserve for game drives,” read a statement from the Roads ministry. “Due to the current condition of the road, the Ministry has immediately deployed a contractor to do grading and spot gravelling.”

Last month, Kenya Association of Tour Operators Coast Branch Chairperson, Monika Solanki, said following the rainy season, the road to the Mara was in appalling state. She said it would be difficult for tour operators to take tourists to the park if the road was not repaired urgently.