Government Warns Counties Over Control of Tsavo National Parks

The Government has defended its continued control over the management of Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park, warning that attempts to re-categorize the parks could trigger ecological disruption and inter-county disputes.

Appearing before the Public Petitions Committee at the Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, April 14, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano urged lawmakers to dismiss a petition seeking to alter the legal status of the Tsavo parks.

Miano argued that the proposal contravenes the constitutional mandate that assigns the national government the responsibility of protecting wildlife and natural resources for the benefit of all Kenyans.

“Re-categorizing it would necessitate splitting the park into three different management regimes, creating ecological instability and inevitable inter-county disputes over the resource,” said Miano.

Petition Raises Questions Over Park Management

The petition, presented by Anselm Mwadime, proposes the reclassification of the Tsavo parks.

However, Miano emphasized that the Tsavo ecosystem spans four counties-Taita Taveta, Makueni, Kitui, and Tana River making it a shared national asset that requires centralized management.

She added that maintaining the parks under the national government through the Kenya Wildlife Service ensures impartial oversight and reduces potential conflicts between counties.

“By keeping the park under National Government under KWS management, the State acts as a neutral arbiter, ensuring the resource is managed for the national good rather than becoming a source of intercounty conflict over boundaries and tourism entry points,” she said.

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Disputes Over Trust Land in Tsavo West

In a separate petition filed by Taveta MP John Bwire on behalf of the Nyario ya Kididi cha Bhatubheta Cultural Community, concerns were raised over the alleged acquisition of Trust Land L.R. No. 249 of 1963 in Taita Taveta County.

While the community claimed the land had historically been reserved for grazing and farming, the CS clarified that the parcel was legally incorporated into Tsavo West National Park in 1970, changing its designation to protected conservation land.

“The land which is currently part of Tsavo West National Park since 1970 is a protected area and any encroachment or human activities amount to trespass as stipulated in the Wildlife Conservation Management Act,” she stated.

Kiwayu Island Land Allocations Under Review

Another petition presented by Ruweida Obo on behalf of residents of Kiwayu Island called for recognition of the island as community land and restoration of ownership rights.

The petition raised concerns over alleged encroachment by private developers and questioned land allocations within the Kiunga Marine National Reserve.

Responding to the concerns, Director-General of the Kenya Wildlife Service, Erustus Kanga, acknowledged that irregular allocations dating back to 1994 are currently under review.

“All these irregular land allocations within the Reserve have been reported to relevant authorities for action, including the Ministry of Lands, the National Lands Commission, and EACC. The service is currently pursuing cancellation of the illegal allocations and titles,” said Prof. Kanga.

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Government Open to Boundary Verification

Addressing concerns from residents of Kitui South Constituency over alleged encroachment by KWS, Kanga assured lawmakers that the agency operates strictly within gazetted boundaries and has not extended into community land.

He added that the government remains open to conducting joint boundary alignment surveys with stakeholders where disputes arise.

Members of the Committee also raised concerns over revenue-sharing arrangements between the national government and host counties, calling for a more standardized and transparent framework to ensure equitable benefits for local communities.

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Tourism CS Rebecca Miano, while appearing before the Public Petitions Committee
PHOTO/Parliament.