County targets illegal lodges in bid to save game reserve

What you need to know:

  • County government statistics indicate there are more than 300 camps and lodges most of them illegal in the reserve, particularly in rhino-breeding zones, water points, and along the Mara and Talek Rivers.

The reputation of the world-famous Maasai Mara game reserve as a one-stop shop for wildlife viewing is under threat as the animal population continues to decline because of disruptive human activity.

The Narok County government blames the dwindling numbers on the unplanned and unregulated establishment of lodges and camps in the reserve.

Four months ago, a Maasai Mara workshop attended by Tourism Secretary Phyllis Kandie heard that the population of some animals had declined by up to 70 per cent because of human interference.

Narok Governor Samuel Tunai recently raised the alarm over increased human activity in the reserve, saying work is in progress to ensure the county becomes the best tourist destination in the country.

“My government has halted any further development of lodges within the reserve and introduced stiffer penalties for trespassing pastoralists,” he said.

The county boss said plans were under way to form a county tourist marketing board to market the reserve and transform it into the ultimate tourist destination.

County government statistics indicate there are more than 300 camps and lodges most of them illegal in the reserve, particularly in rhino-breeding zones, water points, and along the Mara and Talek Rivers.

“Only half of these establishments are licensed by the ministry of Tourism and the National Environment Management Authority,” said county executive member for Trade, Wildlife and Tourism Allan ole Twala.

Last week, Mr Twala issued a 14-day ultimatum to all lodges and camps to submit registration documents to the county government or be closed. The directive, he said, is intended to allow the county government to audit its assets, liabilities, licences and wildlife conservation programmes as well as reduce the number of the illegal establishments to give wildlife their space.

Mr Twala said congestion has exacerbated the situation, forcing many animals to move to nearby conservancies. “The Mara has had challenges arising from over-development, and rivalry and competition amongst developers,” he said.

The county government is drafting a Bill to that will require potential developers to obtain a a provisional licence, followed on completion by a regular licence if their establishment conforms to Nema’s environmental impact assessment requiments that lodges and camps not be near rivers, watering points, breeding zones, and that the sewerage system does not cause pollution.

Before a provisional licence is issued, developers must obtain clearance from the county tourism board.

The county government has accused Nema of ireegularly approving the construction of more than 30 camps in the reserve.

But Nema Director General Geoffrey Wambugu has denied the claims, saying some of the licences displayed by some hotels were fake.

“We carried out an audit that revealed fake Nema documents were used to put up the camps. The culprits were arrested and charged,” said another officer who sought anonymity.

A survey carried out by the Hotel and Restaurant Authority, following an inter-ministerial audit in 2008, showed that of 108 establishments, only 29 per cent were operating legally.

Well-received

The move by the county government has been well-received by hoteliers and tour operators. Mr Joseph ole Koikai, who works for African Classic Tour Company and has been a tourist driver for more than 20 years, is afraid that if nothing is done, certain species of wildlife may no longer be found at the reserve in a decade or less.

“Some animals, like the leopard, are very shy. The camps being put up everywhere are scaring them away, into alternative homes habitats,” says Mr Koikai.

According to him, 10 years ago, visitors would barely drive for 15 kilometres before encountering all kinds of wildlife. Today, one can drive for close to 200 kilometres without seeing any animals.

Herders living around the park they are the land owners of the group ranches that make up the reserve, who sell or rent out prime areas to private developers have also been warned over letting livestock into the park.

Fairmount Mara Safari Club Manager Munene Ngotho says many tented camps are put up temporarily during peak seasons before they are converted into permanent ones. The manager also believes decongesting the reserve will help counter the poaching menace as it will reduce the number of permanent residents in the reserve.