Narok governor fails to declare amount collected from Mara

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Narok county government Wednesday failed to declare the total amount it collects from the world acclaimed Masai Mara Game Reserve before the Senate, dashing hopes for a quick resolution to a dispute that led to the deaths of two people on Monday.
In a separate session, however, KAPS officials gave the committee an estimated figure of Sh1.097 billion collected between 21 February and 31 December 2014.
Governor Tunai told the committee that they collected a total of Sh1.2 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year but could not specify the actual amount that came from the game reserve.

The Narok county government Wednesday failed to declare the total amount it collects from the world acclaimed Masai Mara Game Reserve before the Senate, dashing hopes for a quick resolution to a dispute that led to the deaths of two people on Monday.

Revenue collection under investigation includes electronic payment of entry fees since February last year.

Governor Samuel Tunai appeared before the Senate Finance Committee, which is investigating claims that the award of an e-payment contract to KAPS — an electronic ticketing firm that offers car parking payment solutions, access control and revenue management systems — last February was irregular.

READ: Narok taps new agent to collect Mara park fees

Mr Tunai could not declare the total amount received from the game reserve that is famed for its epic wildebeest migration when asked by committee chairman Billow Kerrow. “I don’t have the figures now,” he replied.

On Monday, Narok politicians and residents led by Senator Stephen ole Ntutu took part in a demonstration that called on Mr Tunai to step down for allegedly awarding the contract for cash collection without consultation. The protesters clashed with police as they attempted to enter the county headquarters, leading to the deaths.

READ: Two killed during bid to evict Narok governor

In a separate session, however, KAPS officials gave the committee an estimated figure of Sh1.097 billion collected between 21 February and 31 December 2014.

Starting this month, KAPS will receive its 6.5 per cent commission on revenue collected after remitting the whole amount to the county government.

The firm was previously deducting the fee beforehand, but Controller of the Budget Agnes Odhiambo faulted the practice, saying it was a violation of the Public Finance Management Act that requires all public revenues be channelled to the county revenue fund at Central Bank.

Mr Tunai told the committee that they collected a total of Sh1.2 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year but could not specify the actual amount that came from the game reserve.

Gate entry fees account for 95 per cent of revenues for the county, according to the office of the Controller of the Budget. Entry fees to the game reserve are $80 for adult foreigners per day and $45 for children. East Africans pay Sh1,000 to visit the park while residents pay Sh1,200.