Residents living in Narasha area in Narok East Sub County can breathe a sigh of relief after the National Assembly committee on Public Petitions and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) resolved to allow them to cross through the Hell’s gate National Park to access Naivasha town.
The resolution follows a petition by the residents seeking the opening of a public road between the National Park and Oserian Development Company that would give the residents easy access to the Naivasha market.
Speaking after a daylong consultative meeting with key stakeholders, the committee chairperson Nimrod Mbai said they had agreed to let people, vehicles and animals pass through the national park, but in a controlled manner, before the long-term solution of opening the public road is reached.
The people transporting livestock to the markets were given, Monday, Thursday and Friday to push their animals through the National Park to the Naivasha Market.
However, the chair reminded the residents that they had a sole responsibility of ensuring their animals were accompanied by a responsible adult so that they could not scatter in the park.
“This is because the cow that sells over Sh. 70, 000 in Naivasha will be sold at only Sh. 30, 000 or less in the Narasha area, and we want livestock owners to reap maximum benefit from their animals,” he continued.
Mbai who is also Kitui East Member of Parliament said the meeting had agreed to allow a matatu sacco that is well registered to transport people to Naivasha across the park daily.
“The new matatu sacco will be registered through the area Deputy County commissioner and must adhere to the rules and regulations of the park. This will give easy access to the Naivasha market,” he said.
On his part, area MP Ken Aramat thanked the committee on the short term solution but called for a speedy opening of a public road between the National park and Oserian organization.
The MP revealed how his people suffered traveling over 100 kilometers to access the Naivasha market through the Maai Mahiu route yet the market was few kilometer through the park.
“Our people should also be careful not to misuse the opportunity given. They should follow the laid down guidelines because we need the National Park for the protection of our wildlife.
The meeting held at Narasha area, at the border of Narok and Nakuru counties was attended by KWS officials led by Ag. Deputy Director Parks and Reserves Samuel Tokore, area MP Ken Aramat, representative from KenGen Company and the residents.
The National Assembly committee members present were Janet Sitienei, (Turbo), Nebat Muriuki, (Mbeere South) and Joshua Kandie (Baringo).
Sitienei said the agreement had created a win-win situation for both the National Park and people as the people will access a shorter route to the market and hospitals as they help to protect the National Park.
She observed that expectant women who travel long distances to access hospitals when they are in labour will now have a shorter route to good hospitals in Naivasha.
“The Maasai women in Narasha will easily sell their beadwork in Naivasha market as there will be a shorter route to access the market,” she said.
By Ann Salaton
