This archive report was first published on 13 September 2019.
On September 13, 2019, a group of over 400 members of Naboisho wildlife conservancy stormed the 60,000-acre protected area in the Masai Mara, disrupting tourism activities in protest over low dividends from tourism investments.
According to the members, the dividend payout was meagre, with an owner of about 150 acres reportedly earning Sh22,000 per month. They claimed this amount was exploitative and a far cry from the Sh60,000 per month they were expecting.
Led by Peter Naurori, the members expressed their dissatisfaction with the management of the conservancy, stating that they had been kept in the dark about the agreement between the conservancy management and tourism partners.
Another land owner, Sanjin ole Kereto, called for a short period lease agreement with investors, as opposed to the current 25-year one. He warned that if the management continued to oppress them, they would revert to their pastoralism activities and crop farming.
James Nkoitoi, a land owner, shared a personal experience where he fenced off 100 acres of his land and reared sheep and beef cattle, earning more profits compared to what he was getting from the 150 acres he gave out for conservation.
By the time of going to the press, the enraged members had not removed the hundreds of sheep driven into the conservation area in protest.
Greater Mara Management (GMM) Limited, a new company, was accused of oppressive management by the members. However, Masai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association Regional Coordinator Daniel Muli defended GMM, stating that the previous contract with Seyia Limited was terminated.
