Download - Migori and Narok Counties

Natural Resources Utilization, Potential and Governance in Narok And Migori Counties

INTRODUCTION

1.1.0 Migori County

Migori County is bound between latitudes 1° 4' 0" South of the equator, and longitudes 34° 28'

0" east of the prime meridian. It borders Homa Bay County to the North; Kisii County to

the East; and to the West, it borders Narok County and the Republic of Tanzania to South. It

touches Lake Victoria on its Western margins. The County is one of the six counties in Nyanza

Province. The County experiences two rainy seasons, and with temperatures between 21-35

degrees Celsius. The county was delineated in 2012 by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries

Commission (IEBC) of Kenya which made Migori to have seven administrative districts namely:

Migori District, Kuria East District, and Kuria West district, Uriri District, Awendo District,

Rongo District and Nyatike Districts respectively. Her capital is in Migori town, about 22

kilometers from Kisii town.

The county has a total population of about 917,170 persons, according to the 2009 Kenya

population census; occupying a total land area of 2,597 square kilometers. Population density in

the county is about 355 persons per square kilometer. This has led Migori County to be among

the most diverse and multi-ethnic regions in Kenya. Majority of the resident population here is

made up of the Luo community, who constitutes close to half the total population. Almost half

the population however is made up of people from varied ethnic and regional origins, from all

over the world. These include, the Maragoli community inhabiting parts of Migori districts, the

Abakuria community occupying the entire Kuria districts. Small pockets of the Indians, Nubians,

a few Europeans, and the Somali (commonly referred to as the ‘Oria’ by the locals) reside in the

major towns and urban centers in the region (Migori District Strategic Plan, 2005- 2010). These

are mainly business persons and technical teams. Financial services include Banks and Micro

Finance Institutions, Decentralized Funds e.g. CDF through Constituencies & LATF through

Local Authorities

Poverty levels are almost on average since about 43% of population live below the poverty

line. The main Economic Activities and industries include Agriculture, fishing, manufacturing

and mining. The main Agricultural products are Maize, Millet, Sugarcane, Sorghum,

Groundnuts, Cassava, Sweet Potatoes, Beans, Sukuma-Wiki, and Sweet Bananas.

E35/3309/2015 University of Nairobi, College of Education and External Studies 1


Its greatest mineral potential is Gold. Tobacco is also grown in the area.

The County faces challenges with the main ones being Lack of knowledge on diseases causes,

social discrimination, and the low prices offered for the tobacco grown.

1.1.1 Geology of the Region

Much of the region’s geology is made up of the Precambrian rocks covering most

parts of the county. The oldest rocks, the Nyanzian and Kavirondian, all of the Precambrian

origin cover most parts of the county including the Migori Gold Belt (Ogola, 1993). Some

Quaternary sediment also occurs in the region especially those covering parts of Karungu and

Kamagambo regions.

1.2.0 Narok County

Narok County is situated in Kenya along the Great Rift Valley. It is named after, Enkare Narok,

the river flowing through Narok town. Narok County is a county in the heart of Maasai-land

about two and a half hours south west of Nairobi; the capital City of Kenya, nestled in the south-

west of Kenya. It covers an area of 17,944 sq km and has a population of 850,920. The

temperature range is 8 to 28 degrees centigrade and an average rainfall range of 500 to 1,800 mm

per annum. It constitutes six sub-counties namely: Kilgoris, Narok North, Narok South, Narok

East, Narok West and Emurua Dikirr. The county borders Kisii, Migori and Bomet to the west,

Kajiado County to the east and Nakuru County to the north. The Peoples Republic of Tanzania is

to the south of the county. Narok town is the capital Head Quarters of the Narok County and

stands as the major centre of commerce in the county. Narok south constituency is the most

expansive with area coverage of 10,412.1 square kilometers, while Narok North occupies

4,662.7 square kilometers. Kilgoris to the west of the county occupies 2,858.3 square kilometers.

The Maasai Mara National Park which is an important tourist destination is located in Narok

County. It is home to the Great Wildebeest Migration which is one of the “Seven New Wonders

of the World". As per the UN study/research for the Kenya Vision 2030, Narok County is

marked as one of the fundamental counties for the achieving economic pillar. Key contributions

are in the tourism sector through the Maasai Mara and the agricultural sector through agriculture

and livestock farming.



1.2.1 Topography of Narok County

The county has diverse topography ranging from the highlands of the Mau topping 3200 meters

above sea level to the lowlands of the Mara at 900 meters and temperatures range from minimum

of 8 to maximum of 28 degrees centigrade and two rainy seasons with average rainfall ranging

from 500 to 1,800 mm per annum.

The county is mother to all kinds of terrains ranging from sloping and flat landscaped highlands

in the Mau and Trans-Mara to the flat lowlands in the southern part of the county. The flat

landscapes are ideal for range livestock keeping and large scale agriculture while the high and

steep lands are mainly forest lands supporting cash crop farming like tea and pyrethrum.

This region lies on the most recent landscape since the old landscape has been faced out by the

rapid erosion and other agents of denudation. The rocks here are the youngest, about 30 million

years old.

2.0 Soil Types and Qualities in Migori and Narok Counties

In Migori County soils are mainly derived from the ancient Precambrian rocks. There

are however small areas made up of Tertiary volcanic soils in the North Western parts of the

county and recent Quaternary sediments near the lake region. However, in over 80 percent of

the area, the soils are derived from two main series of ancient rocks, the Kavirondian

and Nyanzian volcanics largely in the north of Migori River and the intrusive rocks,

mainly granites with some dolerites dykes, along the southern belts of Migori River. These rocks

are among the oldest in the world and in the region too. All these rocks give rise to reasonably

fertile soils capable of producing good crops which are certainly adequate for sustaining food

sufficiency in the region. None of these soils are unusually acidic or strongly basic hence can

favor extensive crop production (Ogola, 1993). A great majority of plants survive well in areas

with mild acidic or basic conditions. These conditions are presented in the region hence its

potential to support extensive agricultural production. On the lighter sandy soils, much of the soil

elements have been lost through leaching which is common in the region due to the prevailing

atmospheric conditions such as high rainfall, high temperatures and loose soil characteristics.

The nutrient status of most of the area is essentially good, but has been reduced by shifting

cultivation over the past 30 years (UNDP, 2002).



A stunning feature of the area is a high proportion of shallow or badly drained soil in some parts

of the county especially in Kuria and Nyatike districts. This is due to the presence of heavy black

clays mainly in river valleys or gravel or clay pans close to the surface which discourages

agricultural production and other economic activities in the regions The soils are generally

unsuited to arable agriculture but provide valuable grazing lands for the semi- nomadic

pastoralists found in some of these regions, mainly in Kuria districts since nitrogen and

phosphate ions are generally low in all the soils. Expansive pasture lands are supported by light

soils characterizing the region hence capable of supporting large herds of cattle. This has made

cattle rearing the most preferred economic activity in the regions above as opposed to crop

cultivation which forms the back bone of the county’s economy. However, necessary

reinforcement steps have been proposed by the government, presently under the mandates of the

county government in the ministry of agriculture, livestock and fisheries, to help

sustain livestock production in the region (Migori District Development Plan, 2005- 2010) for

effective and productive utilization of the dry lands in the county.

The soils formed on granite in the south and east are also frequently deficient in calcium. Near

Isebania they are deficient in magnesium. Potash is generally adequate throughout the area. The

alluvial fans and adjacent volcanic soils around the Gucha Delta are generally adequate in all

nutrients. From the available analyses, it should be possible to overcome the most

serious nutrient deficiencies by the use of standard fertilizers supplemented by cattle manure.

In addition, soybeans production in the region can be used as a long term plan expected

to improve the fixation of certain nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphates which have been lost

through leaching. It is recommended that a detailed soil survey of the best arable land be carried

out by the agricultural staff during the first five year plan in order to be able to come up with

adequate information on soil characteristics for boosting economic production and facilitating

planning activities in the region. Other crops such as ground nuts, cow peas and potatoes have

shown positive results in increasing soil fertility through the fixation of nutrients such as

nitrogen, phosphates and iron to help enrich the soils for intense agricultural production.

The soils across Narok County are diverse ranging from the loamy soils found on the upper

highlands of the county to the sandy soils in the drier areas at the low lands of the county. In

some areas there has been massive erosion leading to little agricultural productivity. Such



regions are left to be occupied by the nomadic pastoralists who have at times quarreled with the

farmers in the areas with rich soils because of grazing lands and search for water and pasture.

3.0 NATURAL RESOURCES IN MIGORI AND NAROK COUNTIES

In Migori County much of the county land is graded as arable land with a little portion,

mainly parts of Kuria and Nyatike Districts graded as semi arid. The major economic activities

carried out by the people living here include crop cultivation, cattle rearing, gold mining, fishing

and commerce. All these activities are dependent on the utilization and exploitation of the

available natural resources in the county. Among the major natural resources present in

this county include: gold in Nyatike district, Macalder region, and fish resources found in Lake

Victoria, Sand present in most rivers in the region such as River Migori (commonly referred to

as River Kuja), River Riana and River Awach among other small streams found in the region.

The other resources found within the county include; forest resources, stones and rocks mined on

several regions in the county.

3.1 Water Resources

The major surface water resources in the area are the Gucha River and Lake Victoria. The lake is

the main water source for the drier western parts of the county. The Gucha river catchment is

approximately 6600 square kilometers of which about 2000 square kilometers are within the area

and is served by three tributaries, the Migori, the Ongoche and the Osani. The catchments

of these tributaries cover respectively 700 square kilometers, 600 square kilometers and 400

kilometers within the area. The Ongoche which flows through the south of Macalder Division is

dry for some period of the year. The catchment of the main stream of the Gucha (300 kilometers)

only covers the western plains near the lake (Ogola, 1993). During high flow conditions the

surface water has a neutral pH and low total hardness. High values for color and

turbidity indicate high silt content and widespread soil erosion within the river catchments. High

levels of oxygen absorbed indicate organic matter which renders the untreated water unfit for

domestic use. Bacterial quality is low showing extensive human waste and sewage pollution in

dams and rivers (FAO, 2003). Uriri dam for example. The Gucha and Migori rivers

were severely polluted with human waste and sewerage.



However, work on a multi-million water project that will serve over 200,000 Migori town

residents is set to be finished by August this year after a court injunction was lifted. The Sh986m

water and sanitation project which has a capacity to produce 20 million liters of water daily had

initially been stopped after Uriri residents went to court to stop the project saying the community

around river Osani which feeds the project didn’t benefit. However, the companies agreed on

court to avail benefits to these people through the project. The project which is funded by

African Development Bank (AfDB) through Lake Victoria South Water Services Board

(LVSWSB) and a Chinese company SCC International Contractors will also see construction of

Sh41 million modern water closet toilets within town.

On the other hand, Narok County is served by the Mara River which has its catchment area from

the Mau region. This river flows through Trans Mara to Tanzania in the South west. Another

important river in this county is the Enkare Narok, which flows across the county. It is from this

river that the county derives its name, Narok.

3.1.1 HEP Power Generation and Irrigation Agriculture

Water is the largest source of energy used in the country as compared to other sources of energy

such as wind, solar and bio- based sources. Hydro energy is generated mainly on rivers in the

country. Other hydro energy sources such as tidal and wave energy has been proposed as

alternative sources but the high costs of their exploitation are inhibiting their harvesting. Besides,

the narrow fetch of the available water bodies in the country such as lakes and seas, where tidal

and wave energy can be generated, further presents another obstacle in the generation

of hydropower from them.

Migori County borders one of the largest lakes in the country, Lake Victoria. And has a myriad

of other large and permanent rivers. Most of these rivers however have relatively

smaller volumes to support substantial and commercial hydro energy generation. As a result,

only one river, River Kuja- also the largest river in the region, has been harnessed to produce

hydroelectric power (HEP). The river has its source somewhere in Kisii highlands and flows

across the county into Lake Victoria. HEP generation takes place at the Gogo Falls, one of the

major HEP generation sites in the country, situated about 100 kilometers from Migori town.



Power generated from this point joins the national grid and is used to supplement the country’s

power supply.

A large population is directly or indirectly dependent on the power generated from R. Kuja

Multipurpose Dam. According to TSBF-CIAT, (2003), The Kuja-Migori River has a total

catchment area of about 6,900 square kilometers. The population of Karungu Division alone

where the project is located is 279,011 people, based on the 2009 Kenya population survey

(Muyanga & Jayne, 2006). The Division is 138.8 square kilometers and is well populated with an

average density of 201 persons per square kilometer. This explains the suitability of the project

to the region in terms of energy provision and economic development. A lot of power is required

to support the numerous economic activities taking place in this region given the large

population it supports. Fishing as the prominent economic activity taking place in the region

requires a lot of power especially for the purposes of preservation and processing. Even

though the main purpose of building the dam in the area was to generate power, its water is

as well used for irrigating the agricultural lands on the hinterlands. This has resulted into acute

agricultural expansion and diversification further increasing food security in the region. The

presence of the dam has enabled the growing of crops such as soybeans, sugar cane,

pumpkins, vegetables and even small scale fish farming in some areas. Besides,

transportation services are another rare opportunity presented by the erection of the dam in

the region. Irrigation farming is a growing agricultural activity in the area with hundreds of acres

of land under irrigation. This has enabled the production of several crops such as the ones

mentioned above. The provision of power from the river has led to rapid expansion of the nearby

towns and centers such as Migori, Sori, Rongo and Awendo towns.

According to FAO, (2003), power availability is associated with a lot of development prospects

and the same is expected to occur in Migori County following her ability to support

the generation of power within her boundaries. HEP in the region is solely generated by

the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). Water from the dam is also expected to help

in expanding agricultural production in the region. Horticultural crops such as vegetables and

water melons are currently achieving prominence in the areas bordering the dam and the major

rivers in the region due to the availability of water for irrigation. As a result, cases of food

insecurity which constantly rocked most parts of the county are expected to considerably reduce



to lower levels. The dam will as well help in diversifying food production in the area.

This is slowly but steadily changing over time with the introduction of various other crops

such as potatoes, rice, ground nuts, and beans among others whose production is facilitated by

the presence of the dam. The agricultural sector is expected to develop even further due to the

provision of water for irrigation and power for processing and storage to the locals. New

technologies are expected to increase the locals’ ability to harness much more potential is from

the dam’s benefits. A changing lifestyle and the diversification of the resident population are

expected to be on the lead in spurring the development agenda in the region.

3.1.2 Energy Potential

The energy sector has many avenues for investment especially works for extension and

expansion of infrastructure for electrical energy. Green energy is an emerging area of focus and

the production of biogas for domestic lighting and cooking has potential. Solar energy can be

harnessed in the low lying areas of the county around the Lake Victoria which provide swathes

of flat land for installation of solar panels. Investment in appropriate technologies for making

energy saving charcoal stoves is very important. Agro forestry based businesses can thrive in the

county as there is rising need for timber and other wood products and biomass in this sector.

Currently, Migori County is seeking donors to upgrade a power generation plant that the

government took over from colonists operating a gold mining firm in the region. Launched more

than five decades ago, The Gogo power plant on River Kuja has the potential to produce 60

megawatts.

In a conference held during the unveiling of a soya milk processing plant in Kisumu County in

Mid-May, Migori deputy governor urged the Japanese government to consider stepping up the

capacity of the hydro-electric power plant, which is economically feasible to boost

economic growth in the county and also an avenue for investment. The county government of

Migori County called on KenGen to hand the plant back to the community to enhance electricity

generation. The plant has the capacity of producing up to sixty megawatts but the county only

requires Thirty megawatts, which will boost the current production for household use and other

economic activities. The Gogo power station was commissioned in 1957 by colonial investors to



supply electricity to Macalder gold mine in South Nyanza with an original capacity of two

million watts.

3.2 Mineral Resources: Gold, Copper and Zinc Minerals

Migori County has proven to have deposits of precious minerals such as gold and copper among

others. There are opportunities for investors in the mining industry in the areas of prospecting

and dealership. There is also a potential for investment in service businesses such as to support

the thriving sector.

Gold has a long history of occurrence in various regions within Migori County. The most known

area with gold mining in the in the county is Macalder which has had a long history of gold

bearing rocks. The region has been known over a long time as the county’s gold belt and has

attracted the attention of many people across the republic. Originally gold mines were spread all

over Nyatike district constituting the largest gold mines in the region. Overexploitation of these

resources has however reduced the amount of gold deposits restricting gold mining to Macalder

area. Recent geological surveys in the county have however indicated additional gold resources

in various other regions in the county gold has been mined in North Kamagambo location and

traces of zinc and copper have as well been extracted from the old, abandoned gold mines in the

region. Mining of Zinc and copper have also been taking place in Nyatike and Kuria districts

further showing the county’s riches in terms of natural resources endowment. Despite these, it

has been argued by experts that some of the mineral deposits in the region occur in small

quantities that are not economically viable for large scale exploitation. Much of these resources

have remained docile and unexploited to date despite the major discoveries made recently

revealing their occurrence. Plans are however underway to exploit the deposits especially in gold

Kamagambo where several foreign companies have expressed dedicated wishes to exploit the

valuable resources in the area. It is believed that when these are finally exploited, the income

generated from the resources will be of significant contribution .to the economy of the county.

The body responsible for the surveying and exploitation of these resources is the Ministry of

Minerals and Natural Resources of the republic of Kenya. In Narok County, Gold mineral

resources in are found in Lolgorian and Kilimapesa. Gold-plat, one of the world’s biggest gold

companies, which is also listed at the London Stock Exchange was awarded the lease to exploit

the large gold deposits in the Lolgorian area of the County in November last year. The firm also



discovered richer gold reserves at it Kilimapesa mines in Trans Mara to support commercial

exploitation of the precious metal expected to be a key source of wealth for Narok County. The

firm has also found gold deposits in an abandoned site, Red Ray, around Kilimapesa mines,

which are expected to raise the mineral output to over 285 kg per year, worth about shillings 1.5

billion.

3.2.2 Sand Harvesting

Sand is another important resource which has been exploited in the region for a long period of

time. Abundant sand deposits are available along the shores of Lake Victoria and major rivers in

the region. This has been of great benefit to the people living around the lake region for instance

in Nyatike districts of the county. Sand is majorly used in the constriction industry supporting

the lives of thousands of people who directly and indirectly depend on the exploitation of the

resource for their livelihood. Much income is generated from the mining sites and used in

various developmental sectors. Besides this, Ogola, (1993) notes that sand mining also takes

place in many rivers found in the region. The major rivers which bear large quantities of sand in

the county include River Kuja, Riana and Awach. Other small streams flowing across the county

have also generated a lot of sand which is mined in the areas they bypass. The large sand

deposits is mainly due to the presence of weak bed rocks which are easily weathered by

external land sculpturing processes such as moving wind, water and animals. The

loose sediments are then easily swept by the moving water and wind into the water bodies and

onto sloppy grounds of the region making mining more intensive along the flat and sloppy areas

in the region. Sand is a great economic resource which can support the lives of many

people. Economical exploitation is therefore of great need for the realization of capital growth

for the county.

Narok County is also endowed with sand and its harvesting is mainly along the dry river valleys

and the seasonal streams. Unlike in Migori County, in Narok County there are

several quarries where rocks are quarried for immediate use in building and construction within

and around the town by the locals. As a matter of fact, the site where the dumping site is

proposed to be located is within the quarries as a way of filling up the hollows and voids left

after quarrying is done.



3.3 Fish Resources

Fishing has a long standing tradition among the people living in Migori County making it one of

the oldest and major income generating activities for most people living here. Lake Victoria

provides the largest fishing ground in the region. Those living around the lake and its hinterlands

practice fishing as their main source of income. Fishing activities are most common among the

people inhabiting Nyatike district which border Lake Victoria. Other fishing grounds in the

region include rivers, streams and ponds found in various parts of the county. Rivers such as

Kuja, Riana and Awach provides the largest river- based fishing grounds in the region after Lake

Victoria. Much of the fish resources generated from these sites are consumed locally, since

fish forms the largest dietary component among the residents of the county. It is the

most preferred type of food due to; its cheap price, ease of access and dietary functions. Fish

farming is however not very common among the residents of Migori County despite its fame

among the locals’ diet. This according to Geda, Jong, Mwabu, & Mwangi, (2001) is attributed to

the abundance of the resource in major water bodies found in the county which has made the

locals reluctant to establish private fish farms. Crop farming and animal rearing therefore take

the largest land use activity in the region. Gautam & Anderson, (2009) observes that the value of

fish in the region has evoked the establishment of few small scale fish farms in the region to

supplement the highly exhausted Lake Victoria and river fish resources. Even though not

very common, the practice is currently picking up in most parts of the region as most

people realize the economic benefits of the same. Many private fish farms have been established

in Rongo and Nyatike districts, an indication that private fish farming is soon becoming an

income generating indulgence among the residents in the area.

3.4 Tourism and Wildlife Resources

There is hardly any large wildlife in Migori County but the region is situated close to the

Maasai Mara and other tourist attractions sites in the country. Its main wildlife attractions

are interesting birds centered in small forest patches near Kihancha, and in the lake

shore environment. The main scenic attraction is the lake shore area of Mohuru with its striking

granite formations and intriguing offshore islands which support very large colonies of

cormorants, sacred ibis and other birds (Chambers, 2007). There are several excellent lake shore

lodge sites at or near Mohuru. A Lake Victoria tourist circuit including visits to Kisumu, Homa



Bay, Olambwe Valley, Mfangano and Rusinga Islands, Mohuru Bay and then on to the Maasai

Mara via Kihancha appears an attractive proposition to most tourists visiting the county. The

attractiveness of the lake as a tourist area has been greatly increased by bathing facilities free

from Bilharzias’ risk and a sport fishing possibility. It is understood that Nile Perch are

quite widespread in the Lake such that the possibility of sport fishing on the lake cannot be not

be overlooked as a great tourists attraction in the region.

Entertainment is emerging as a major income earner for artistes and investors. Migori has

produced some of Kenya’s finest musicians and is home to a number of favored musicians and

artistes. However, they cannot satisfy the varied needs of residents and visitors alike. The

entertainment and hospitality industry as well as tourism which feed it still require investments.

Whereas the county does not boast of animal sanctuaries

Migori provides unique opportunities for investment in tourism and related industries.

Attractions include the famed Thim Lich Ohinga Ruins which is a protected and nationally

gazetted heritage site. This is a unique architectural stone structure built over 500 years ago.

Thim Lich’s strategic location forms a perfect stop over for those on their way to or from Ruma

and Maasai Mara National Game Parks, Gogo Falls and also Macalder Mines. The beaches of

Lake Victoria and the famous Migingo archipelago are in Migori County, the nearby Ruma and

Maasai Mara National Park provides opportunities for investments to take advantage of its

visitors. Conference tourism has lots of opportunities for investment; the county needs hotels and

conferencing facilities which can be used by clientele from within the county and elsewhere.

In Narok County this is the largest contributor to the county’s economy as it hosts it hosts a

number of luxurious hotels, lodges, and clubs and camp sites. The county is home to famous

Maasai Mara that defines the Tanzania Kenya boarder to the south west. The Reserve has

different wildlife species that includes: elephants, lions, cheaters, Buffaloes, antelopes, hyenas,

rhinos, leopards, wildebeest and all kind of birds among others. The reserve has historically been

a tourist attraction where both locals and international tourist visit for recreation and sports.

Maasai Mara Game Reserve and the Mara Triangle have neighboring group ranches and

conservancies. The reserves host several Hotels, tented camps, airstrips and balloon safaris. The

tourism sector has highly contributed to the economic standards of the county through



employment in the hotel industry, game ranging, revenue collection, beadwork, curio shops and

cultural practices in the Manyattas among others.

Recreational activities found include such as game drives, bird watching, site seeing, balloon

rides among others.

3.5 Forest Resources in Narok County

The county is home to the once pristine Mau forest and has a higher forest cover percentage

compared to the national figure of less than 10%. The Maasai Mau forest is managed in trust by

the local authority and once covered an area 43% of the Mau Complex area of 400,000

acres. Loita forest is another major forest in the county and is located at Loita division of Narok

south district and spurns an area of about 330 Sq. km. The forest supports a vast array of flora

and fauna including some threatened birds species such as the Grey-crested Helmet Shrike. The

forest constitutes the main water-catchment point in the region. A significant portion of forests

in the County is found within private lands. Other notable forests are Enoosupukia in Narok

North and Laila forest in Kilgoris.

4.0 NAROK AND MIGORI COUNTIES’ POTENTIAL AND GOVERNANCE

The objective of devolution as enshrined in the new constitution is to empower citizens to

effectively participate in governance and resources management and to build and enhance

capacities to manage and utilize the resources for better service delivery for the residents. For the

potential objective to be achieved in the county, a paradigm shift must obtain to overcome the

culture of corruption and promote effective and efficient citizens participation in charting their

destiny. Equally important is the need to promote and enhance fairness and equity in service

provision. This is only achievable if the leadership is a reflection of the county’s aspirations and

encompasses inclusive leadership. Devolution anchors against concentration of power in a centre

and works to accommodate diverse interests in an environment of public effective and efficient

participation. The defining elements of the new dispensation are cooperative government and

citizen involvement in administrative and legislative processes. The opportunity provided by

devolution and self governance is innumerable. The opportunity avails the residents of the

county with a chance to implement consultative and participatory frameworks for generation of

people centered solutions. The county can further devolve the structures of governance to lower



levels to enhance better representation and effective participation at all levels. The concept of

devolution is to reverse the centralized and non-participatory governance paradigm by

institutionalizing and embracing a governance and leadership system based on integrity.

4.1 Natural Resources and the devolved Government

Narok County is considered a natural resource-rich county given it is the home to the Great Mara

comprising of the current Maasai Mara Game Reserve and the Mara Conservancy and several

blocks of the largest single block of forest in East Africa, the formerly pristine Mau Forest

Complex. The county has the following key natural resources; Forests and range lands, Pasture

and Water, Livestock, and Wildlife, Wind, solar energy and minerals. The county is well

endowed with natural resources which if well managed could provide sustainable livelihoods for

the residents. However a fast rising population and prevalent poverty in the county continue to

impact negatively on the dwindling resources and sustainable management of the resources. The

availability of minerals in the county provides a new front in the potential of natural resources.

The artisanal mining of gemstones and sand stones pre-dominates the mining industry though

the full extent of the county’s wealth in minerals has not been established and a key strategic

initiative should focus on undertaking surveys to confirm commercial viability of existing

mineral resources including the reported gold deposits in Lolgorian in Trans Mara. The county

enjoys long periods of sunshine and windy conditions that are suitable for solar and wind energy

generation and the availability of appropriate technology to harvest these resources is the

strategic initiative needed to realize the resource’s potential.

4.2 Tourism and Wildlife

Tourism is a natural resource that is and has been the backbone of the economy of the county and

the Mara is considered Kenya’s flagship tourist destination and has been noted as ‘a must see’.

This has always been the goose that lays the golden egg for the county councils and contributes

as much as 80% of the total gross revenues of the respective county councils. The Maasai Mara

National Reserve covers 1,363 square miles and is one of the top revenue-generating game parks

in Kenya.

The realization of the full potential of tourism as a main revenue stream for the county is the

combination of appropriate information technology and the good policies inclusive of prudent



mechanisms for sharing of revenues. The potential of tourism as a revenue stream in the county

is often quoted in the range of Kenya shillings 2.5 to Kenya shillings 5 Billion annually. This

potential has never been even remotely achieved and conservative figures available show the

county council of Narok has been collecting around 800 million to 950 million annually since

2003 to date. It is correctly believed that the council is currently collecting and recording 25% of

the potential. The figures for Mara conservancy were not immediately available but a search on

the net shows figures of Kenya shillings 500 million per year.

Much importance is to the Mara ecosystem which is 4,500 square. Kilometers owned and

managed by pastoral Maasai communities organized as Group ranches, Associations/Trusts and

Conservancies. This land is not only a vital dispersal area for all the wildlife species for which

the Maasai Mara is famous, but the local Maasai culture is an attraction in and of itself. In recent

years, this area is under increasing pressure to sub-divide land into private/individual and small

parcels of land. In the past, these parcels were group ranches owned communally by the local

Maasai before the drive for privatization and individual ownership of land.

Agricultural encroachment in the parts of the outer Mara area where cultivation of maize and

large scale wheat farming is practiced has resulted in the loss of wildlife habitat and huge

decreases in wildlife population and exacerbating human wildlife conflict. If this trend continues,

the wildlife dispersal areas to the north of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a critical

component of the Mara ecosystem will shrink and with it, the buffer zone between wilderness

and, pastoral and cultivated land.

4.3 Agriculture

The county is geographically on three agricultural zones namely the high potential zone, medium

potential and low potential agro-ecological zones. The zones each provide a unique opportunity

for agriculture with derivative economic benefits to the county. The high potential zones with

rainfalls of between 1000-1300 mm per year can support tea, maize, beans, potatoes, pyrethrum,

wheat, barley and peas. The success of the crops is very much dependent on the rainfall patterns

in a given year. The conservation of forests is a direct factor in the growing of the crops as it has

been noted that the reliability of rainfall is linked to the extent of forest degradation and

depletion. The medium potential zone receives less rainfall in the range of 800-1000 mm



annually and supports crops requiring less rainfall like different varieties of maize, beans, peas

and even wheat. The zone is generally the belt after the forested areas and the inhabitants have

been the main cause of forest depletion due to their proximity to the forest, though the depletion

is by and large done by immigrant communities. The lower potential zone is the lowlands

receiving much lower levels of rainfall of not more than 800 mm per year.

The agriculture practiced is large scale agriculture reliant on short rains supporting crops that

require minimum rainfall like wheat varieties that mature faster and beans. The lowlands provide

the greatest potential for irrigation agriculture. The introduction of irrigation in the production of

French beans and onions for export has transformed the economic status of the few farmers who

have the financial ability to engage in the business immensely. The current production of French

beans and other export vegetables along the main rivers by small scale farmers

with movable water pumps is on the range of 15000 tons to 25000 tons per day. The requisite

capital investment in irrigation farming can be a hindrance to the implementation of the same on

large scale proportions though the same cannot be true with small scale measures for targeted

crops and incentives driven initiatives. It is however important to note that irrigation on riparian

zones must conform to protection of catchment areas and waterways.

Narok County is considered the largest producer of wheat and barley in the country and this

provides unparalleled advantages in revenue generation and addition of value to the

primary products. The need to organize cooperative societies to take advantage of the prospect

by pooling resources to establish industries and factories for value addition is important key.

4.4 Mining

Despite many foreign companies expressing interest in exploiting gold and copper in the county,

much has not been done in connection with the process due to slow bureaucratic procedures to be

followed between the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources & Disaster Management and

the concerned parties. Formally, gold deposits have been exploited in North Kamagambo region.

Even though the exploitation only took a limited duration before the gold deposits were

exhausted, recent discoveries still present significant illumination of the county as a golden

destination in the country.



Sand is commonly found in the two counties where it is harvested from the dry river banks,

along the roads, and on the seasonal streams that flow across the counties during the wet seasons.

The loose sediments of weathered rocks are then easily swept by the moving water and wind into

the water bodies and onto sloppy grounds of the region making mining more intensive along the

flat and sloppy areas in the region.

Sand, gold and other minerals in the two counties are great economic resources which

can support the lives of many people. Economical exploitation is therefore of great need for the

realization of capital growth for the county.

5.0 CONCLUSION

Environmental degradation in Migori and Narok County is of great concern; most of the forests

and vegetation cover are seriously under threat. The Maasai Mau trust land forest for instance,

that constituted 43% of the Mau forest has over the last decades continually suffered massive

encroachment. The major causes of environmental degradation in the region includes; large scale

farming; charcoal burning, commercial timber harvest, settlement.

Crop farming is slowly becoming the predominant livelihood options in many households in

Narok County even those in lowland areas that does not support crop farming. The resultant

effect is the depletion of forests and shrubs to prepare land for crop farming. The repeated

actions due to the need to satisfy economic needs results in the degradation of the land to a level

that it cannot support crop farming and this creates a vicious cycle that will lead to more

degradation and loss of forest cover.

Commercial charcoal burning is the latest menace to environmental degradation. In additional to

charcoal burning as result of the clearing of land for farming purpose, the diminishing livelihood

options leading to high poverty rate cause people to land to charcoal burning.

Climate change is a global phenomenon that poses potential irreversible threat to human

societies. The consequences due to change climate are already manifested through frequent

prolonged droughts and unpredictable and sometimes heavy rainfall. Narok County is not spared;

in the last few years there has been frequent drought affecting both the livestock and crop



farmers. Another manifestation of the climate change experienced in Narok County is the heavy

rainfall.

Despite being the leading producer of wheat and meat in the country, Narok County lacks a

reliable and markets accessibility for its products. The farmers are forced to seek for markets

outside the county which expose them to manipulation and control of market prices. This is

perpetuated by the lack of industries and poor roads network in region.

In the two counties the role of the new devolved government at the county level and beyond as

recommended provides not only a new dispensation but also a chance to start on a clean slate.

The new structures though not yet well understood by the citizens, will need to be entrenched at

the grassroots for effective participation of the same citizens in its implementation. The

effectiveness of citizen participation depends on the ability of the citizens to understand their

roles and contribution to the processes being set out. It is therefore imperative that the citizens

are involved from the onset of the process in civic education that reaches the previously

unreached populace. It is strategic that the participation of citizens is effective for the needs to be

identified by the people at the beginning of the processes of service delivery.

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Disaster Preparedness

Recognizing that the county is a natural resource based economy, it is imperative that there be a

disaster preparedness framework for adequate and timely interventions. The reported floods in

the proposed county headquarters of Narok town are a stark almost annual reminder of the need

for this particular concern among others like the devastating drought that almost cripples the

livestock and pastoralist livelihoods. The loss due to the disasters are in hundreds of millions and

with the occurrences now more frequent, the occasioned losses are impacting negatively on the

economy. It is on this regard that it is envisaged that the security architecture in this county

should provide for a policy organ chaired by the Governor and an operational security organ to

take operational decisions and actions.



6.2 Adapting to Climate Change

The interventions currently being negotiated at the national and international levels on Climate

Change adaptation and mitigation and capacity building among other specific instruments is of

grave concern to the county as the county is natural resource based and therefore climate change

and its’ attendant challenges and opportunities will be key determinants in the realization of the

potential of the county in resource consolidation and provision of services to the residents of the

county. It is therefore recommended that there is established a Climate Change kitty in the

county for local interventions as well as aligning the county policies on conservation to the

instruments on Climate Change including but not limited to Reduction of Emissions from forest

degradation and deforestation commonly known by the acronym REDD+. The component on

Capacity Building on climate change is proactively engaged to build capacity not only at policy

level but on negotiations for the greatest benefits accruals.

6.3 Resource Consolidation

The devolution process will require transparent efforts to assign functions, competencies and

responsibilities to multiple tiers of national and devolved government and non-state actors and

private sector entities in a manner that delivers the requisite public services. The centrality of

resources at the county government provides an impetus for consolidation of the resources for

synchronized planning and the development of master plans. The need to enhance the Maasai

brand as a unique value and according it the value that it portends is a must as a resource for

benefits to accrue.

The exploitation of the Growth poles identified by the Vision 2030 framework should be

followed through to make growth a reality.

The engagements in public-private partnerships are a key determinant for the realization of the

most potential that will accrue benefits to all.



7.0 MAPS OF NAROK AND MIGORI COUNTIES

Fig 1.0 Map of Migori County Fig 1.1 Map of Narok County



9.0 REFERENCES

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Narok North District Development Plan 2008-2012

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Ogola, J. (1987) Mineralization in the Migori Greenstone Belt; Macalder, Western Kenya: Journal of Geology 22 (Thematic issue), 25– 44

Ogola, J. (1993) Geology and mineral resources of Nyanza province, Western Kenya: Geological Society of Africa (GSA) (Special Issue), 407– 432.

Ogola, J. (1995). Environmentally Sound and Sustainable Development, A Case Study of Artisan Gold Mining and Processing in the Migori District, Kenya: Environmentally Sound Management and Exploration of Mineral Resources. Entebbe, Uganda.

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http://www.narok.go.ke/about-narok Retrieved on 22/09/2015


http://www.narok.go.ke/about-narok

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http://www.kenyadecides.co.ke/county/migori/#sthash.89yPtOrz.dpuf Retrieved on 21/09/2015


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