The project is located in the mid- rift region which comprises Baringo, Koibatek, Keiyo and Marakwet districts as shown in Figure 1. It was an idea conceptualized, endorsed and implemented jointly by the county councils of the aforementioned districts.

Baringo district is located to the North East of the region and borders all the other three districts, Turkana, Samburu, Laikipia and East Pokot district. Marakwet district is located to the North West of the region and borders Baringo, Keiyo, Uasin Gishu and East Pokot districts. Keiyo borders Koibatek, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Marakwet and Kericho districts. Koibatek is situated in southern part of the region and borders Baringo and Keiyo districts. It also borders Laikipia, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu and Kericho districts.

Before 1996, the region comprised of only two districts namely Baringo and Elgeyo- Marakwet where they were split to create the four districts.

Over the years, the local authorities in the four districts had noted the great tourism potential that existed within their districts but which had not been developed and exploited. They came into agreement that setting up of a forum similar to Laikipia Wildlife Forum could be the best possible strategy for opening up the area. A forum could provide the necessary framework on which tourism stakeholder could come together for the benefit of the industry. It could also provide a platform on which donor funds can be accessed easily and an avenue for advocacy on tourism matters.