MPs raise alarm over alienation of 47,000 acres in Maasai Mara conservancy
The contested land lies in the wildebeest migration corridor, and its occupation by investors could undermine the ecological balance of one of the country’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries.
Concerns over wildlife conservation and tourism have taken centre stage as the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Lands began probing the alleged alienation of 47,000 acres of land in the Olkiombo area of Narok County, part of the Maasai Mara Conservancy.
Representatives of the Olkiombo-Maasai Mara Conservancy, supported by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, appeared before the committee on Tuesday, presenting evidence that private developers have encroached on land critical to wildlife and local livelihoods.
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They warned that such encroachment threatens the migration corridor of wildebeest and other species, which could impact tourism revenue that sustains thousands of community members.
Committee chair Joash Nyamoko emphasised that the panel would conduct a thorough inquiry to clarify ownership and address the emerging risks.
“This Committee is fully seized of this matter, and we will be inviting more people to present necessary evidence so that we can resolve this matter,” Nyamoko said.
The petition, filed by Anthony Leseiyo on behalf of residents, highlighted the urgency of intervention.
“This is our only hope because a lot is at stake. There are wild animals there and people's livelihoods at stake,” Leseiyo told the committee.
According to the petitioners, the alleged alienation has led to loss of public revenue and jeopardised Kenya’s tourism assets.
The contested land lies in the wildebeest migration corridor, and its occupation by investors could undermine the ecological balance of one of the country’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries.
Petitioners also warned that allowing such developments could create a precedent for further land grabbing across Narok and beyond.
To get to the bottom of the dispute, the Lands Committee said it would invite officials from the Ministry of Lands and other relevant authorities to shed light on ownership and regulatory compliance.
The panel also plans to tour the land to gather firsthand evidence before making recommendations for resolution.
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