Nairobi — The first park to be gazetted in 1947, the 117-square kilometre Nairobi National Park, is unique as it is the only protected wildlife area in the world within a capital city.

It is one of the most successful of Kenya's rhino sanctuaries, generating a stock for re-introduction in other sanctuaries.

But even as wildlife lovers recently joined the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in celebrating its 60th birthday, conservationists are concerned about the park's future.

It is faced with a myriad problems - from environmental pollution, habitat destruction and invasive species to destruction of animal dispersal areas.

There is declining populations of certain species, some having become extinct.

For instance, KWS says the black and white colobus monkey, aardvark and wild dogs common in the 1950s and 1960s are now locally extinct.

"People are throwing polythene bags full of waste from their houses into the park. Some of the waste - ranging from used dry cells, kitchen waste, stale food and contaminated oils and chemicals - is toxic," said Mr Richard Chepkwony, a warden.

To the south of the park and next to Carnivore Restaurant is another source of concern. The Government is reviving the Sololo Outlets Housing Project, with only the southern bypass standing in between it and the park.

If dumping in the neighbourhood is anything to go by, then the police officers' Sololo estate is a big threat.

Next to it, within the Wilson Plains, is the Mitumba slums, which has no sewerage system and dumping site. In Industrial Area on the eastern side, some firms have been accused of dumping waste in the park.

To the south is the Athi-Kapiti Plains and Kitengela migration and dispersal area, which is almost blocked by development and fencing off of private property.

An ambitious plan to acquire and lease land that stands on the corridor will be another unique first for this internationally acclaimed park.

Recently proposed man-made dams may turn out to be the main attractions as they attract water-dependent herbivores.

As part of the park's 60th birthday celebrations, also being used to mark 60 years of wildlife conservation, KWS is refurbishing the park at the cost of more than Sh25 million.