The fight for the control of Kenya’s multi-billion shilling tourism pot has opened a new front, with county bosses now demanding a direct slice of park fees currently flowing to the National Government.

Council of Governors (CoG) Vice-Chairman Muthomi Njuki is pushing for a universal revenue-sharing framework mirroring the lucrative deals held by Narok and Kajiado counties. The argument is simple: if a county bears the burden of hosting wildlife, its people must see the profits.

The Economics of Conservation

Speaking during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations, Njuki, who also serves as the Tharaka Nithi Governor, emphasized that the current centralization of tourism revenue is unsustainable. While the Maasai Mara and Amboseli ecosystems have allowed Narok and Kajiado to thrive through direct management or partnership agreements, other regions remain spectators to their own resources.

Addressing residents at the newly constructed Kajiunduthi Stadium in Maara Constituency, Njuki noted that while sites in Tharaka Nithi contribute significantly to the national economy, the trickle-down effect to the common mwananchi is negligible.

• The Proposal: A formal partnership agreement between the National Government and all host counties.
• The Goal: Direct revenue injection into local infrastructure and social support.
• The Precedent: The successful semi-autonomous management of Maasai Mara and the recent handover of Amboseli to Kajiado.

"We need a fair share of the revenue generated by tourists visiting these regions," Njuki asserted. He argued that local communities are the primary custodians of these ecosystems, often suffering human-wildlife conflict and land-use restrictions, yet they receive minimal financial compensation.

Protecting Fragile Ecosystems

The push for revenue is tied directly to environmental stewardship. Governor Njuki and County Commissioner David Gitonga issued a stern warning against environmental degradation, specifically targeting illegal logging and forest encroachment.

The leaders highlighted the specific threat to the pancake tortoise, a rare species whose habitat in the region's rocky outcrops and forests is under siege. "These activities threaten fragile ecosystems," Gitonga warned, linking the survival of such rare species directly to the region's tourism potential.

On social welfare, the administration pivoted to a pressing crisis affecting the county's youth. Commissioner Gitonga revealed alarming data regarding teenage pregnancies, noting that government monitoring indicates many perpetrators are adults over 18 years of age targeting minors, a trend the county security apparatus has vowed to dismantle.