Senate team to probe Maasai Mara revenue collection contract

The contract allowing Kenya Airport Parking Services (Kaps) to collect revenue from the Maasai Mara will now be investigated by the Senate.

The tender award has divided the Narok County government leadership down the middle, with one camp led by Senator Stephen Ntutu saying the process was flawed and should be cancelled.

The Senate Committee on Finance, Commerce and Budget has begun investigations into the awarding of the contract to Kaps.

Committee chairman Billow Kerrow said his team had already received complaints about mismanagement of county resources.

Mr Kerrow, who was accompanied by senators Peter Mositet (Kajiado), Zipporah Kittony (nominated) and Paul Njoroge (Kiambu), visited the county headquarters on Monday for a fact-finding mission during which they held talks with the county assembly members and the executive.

"We received a petition from a section of leaders and our visit today (Monday) is purposely to hear from the county assembly and the executive on the issue of the contract to Kaps and alleged misappropriation of funds," said Kerrow.

He called on county governments to exercise accountability, saying devolution was meant to improve the lives of Kenyans rather than for self-aggrandisement.

"As Senate, we will continue to exercise our role of over-seeing devolved units. As we protect devolution, county governments must ensure funds are prudently used," he said.

Public resources

He urged counties to adhere to the laws and regulations on use of public resources.

Ms Kittony said there was need for county leaders to unite and solve their issues amicably.

"No meaningful development will be realised if leaders pull in different directions. There is need to speak with one voice and champion one cause," she said.

During the hearings, also attended by Deputy Governor Evalyn Aruasa, it emerged that most members of the county assembly had no idea of the contract award to Kaps and they were not involved in budget formulation and implementation.

Finance committee chairman Moses ole Samante defended the MCAs, saying the process of budget formulation was still new to them.

Minority Leader Bob Maren accused the county executive of carrying out the budgeting process without involving them and only using the assembly to rubber stamp its decisions.