Taita Taveta County Government will get half of the revenue from Tsavo National park, President William Ruto

Taita Taveta County Government will get half of the revenue from Tsavo National park, President William Ruto has said.

Speaking during interdenominational and thanks giving prayers at Mwatunge grounds, Mwatate, the president agreed with H.E Andrew Mwadime Wakujaa that the County does not benefit from revenues collected from the park which occupies 62per cent of the total County land.

“I agree with the leader’s that Taita Taveta County does not get any revenue from the park compared to other regions that border the wildlife protection areas.Organise a meeting with Tourism minister and KWS so that you share equally the revenue from Tsavo National park. My office will also facilitate you to know exactly what is collected,” directed the President.

While responding to county leaders call for affirmative action on employment of local residents in Kenya Wildlife Services, the President further directed that the counties bordering National parks will get 40 per cent of rangers to be deployed in the oncoming recruitment of 1500 game wardens and rangers across the country.

On Governor Wakujaa’s call for county residents to be allowed to mine in the Tsavo National park, President Ruto challenged local residents to form cooperatives for them to be allowed to venture into the mineral rich park adding that the Sh 250m royalties for the County Government will be released this year.

“Form cooperatives and I will issue licence for Taita Taveta people to mine in the park. I will be back here to open the Gemstone centre at Voi in the next two months and launch other development projects.”

The president further promised to commission the Mzima 2 water project that is aimed at addressing water challenges in the County.

On roads, President Ruto promised to complete the ongoing Bura Mgange Werugha Mtwamwagodi road and commission the construction of Taveta Chala Njukini Ilassit road.

“I am fully working with you. I will work with you to ensure our people benefit from development projects from National Government.”

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi appealed to county residents to support president Ruto in his countries economic recovery plan.

“Your journey with the government will be better than when you are in the opposition.”

Governor Mwadime assured the president of his support in his development agenda.

Mining CS Salim Mvurya added that the Kishushe Iron ore investor has paid 10m as part of the 30m community development funds.

“My ministry is pushing to ensure part of the remaining funds are paid,” he said.

Leaders present include deputy Governor Christine Kilalo,woman rep Lydia Haika,MPs Peter Shake-Mwatate,Hamisi Chome-Voi,Danson Mwashako -Wundanyi,John Bwire -Taveta and National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichungwa among other leaders.

SOURCE : TAITA TAVETA COUNTY GOVERNMENT