Narok ends Mara fees agreement with Equity Bank

By KIPCHUMBA KEMEI

Narok, Kenya: Narok County government has terminated ten-year contract its predecessor had with Equity Bank to collect Masaai Mara National Reserve entry fees.

But the termination of the contract - after about two years - could expose the county government to litigation over compensation because the contract provided that the bank be paid Sh800 million if the deal is revoked.

Governor Samuel Kuntai said yesterday the bank had reneged on the deal, noting serious lapse in integrity and efficiency of collection of revenue. He said in April this year, the county government noted the pre-paid smart card service was not working but the bank did nothing to rectify the error, which led to collapse.

 “The bank for unexplained reasons abandoned the system and instead resorted to issuing letters purporting to allow their holders to enter the reserve. Because of that, the county government has suffered enormous losses and the reputation of Mara as a tourist destination has taken massive beating,” said Kuntai.

He added the county would embark on a comprehensive audit of the entire system.

He said his government has made arrangements to take over the bank’s responsibility of collecting revenue beginning yesterday and assured all stakeholders they are committed to ensure no disruption of service occurs during the high season, which begins next month. Equity Bank staff at Mara were last evening recalled in a communication by the management.