Rapasi Henry Naiputar is 38 years old and has a big family to support. He is one of the hundreds of people who are benefiting from tourism in Northern Kenya. He is a community member of Koija, Naibunga Lower Conservancy, and works as a chef in Koija Starbeds.
Working in a self-catering facility, Rapasi has to be very innovative; prepare delicious meals and great drinks using the ingredients that the guests bring to the camp. From this experiences Rapasi has learnt basic bush cooking crafts, a skill that he wants to advance.
The Koija Starbeds are very special; they are on a raised platform overlooking the mighty Ewaso Nyiro River; and the landscape beyond. The room is partly covered by a thatch roof which rests the weirdest sleeping contraption you’re ever likely to encounter. The double beds can be wheeled out into the open for a night of sleeping in the open air under the twinkling stars, safely cloaked in a big mosquito net. The owners and indeed hosts of the starbeds are the local Laikipia Maasai.
“Our visitors will enjoy elephants escort, nature walks, hiking, fishing (bring own equipment), camel treks, and cultural immersions as some of the wonderful moments to reckon. I encourage people to come and visit Koija Starbeds.” says, Rapasi.
Rapasi adds that he gets excited when he meets the demands of his guests. He hopes that one day he will go back to school and gain more skills in cooking.
The tourism sector in Northern Kenya is a source of income for hundreds of community members directly and indirectly.
The NRT Trading tourism department supports NRT community conservancies to earn a living; they support the community members to develop and market tourism products. Koija starbeds in Naibunga Lower Conservancy is one of the community Conservancy projects that they support.