MAARA, Kenya – Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has called on the national government to strike new revenue-sharing agreements with counties that border national parks, saying communities living around key conservation sites deserve a direct financial stake in tourism earnings.
Speaking at the newly built Kajiunduthi Stadium in Muthambi Ward, Maara Constituency, the governor said it was time for the government to replicate the model used in Narok and Kajiado—home to the Maasai Mara and Amboseli national parks—which allows the two counties to collect significant revenue from tourist activities.
Njuki said Tharaka Nithi hosts several natural attractions that contribute to the national tourism portfolio, yet local communities that help protect and maintain these ecosystems see little benefit.
“Tourism cannot thrive if the people living around the parks feel left behind,” he said, urging the State to establish formal partnerships to ensure counties reap from the resources within their borders.
His remarks aligned with this year’s Jamhuri Day theme, which emphasises tourism and wildlife conservation.
The governor also appealed to residents to uphold the “highest standards of conservation,” saying a clean and protected environment directly strengthens the county’s case for revenue-sharing.
Crackdown on Forest Destruction
Njuki and County Commissioner David Gitonga issued a stern warning against illegal logging and forest invasions, saying the destruction threatens the ecosystem and endangers rare species.
Gitonga noted that Tharaka Nithi is home to the elusive pancake tortoise, whose survival depends on intact indigenous forests.
“We will not allow individuals to destroy critical habitats for short-term gain,” Njuki said, warning that security agencies are on high alert to curb the rising destruction.
Alarming Surge in Teenage Pregnancies
Commissioner Gitonga also raised concern over increasing cases of teenage pregnancies in the county, saying investigations show that most perpetrators are adult men preying on minors.
He said a countywide monitoring operation has been rolled out to protect school-going children and bring offenders to justice.
Local leaders further expressed concern over a spike in illicit alcohol sales, including cases where licensed traders have resorted to selling illegal brews “to balance their books.”
Gitonga said joint county and national teams would intensify enforcement to dismantle the supply networks.
Despite the challenges, Njuki and the commissioner reaffirmed a strong working relationship between county and national administrations, saying coordinated efforts are essential for accelerating development and safeguarding public resources.
