The confederation of Kenya Tourists Guides (CKTG) has called on the County Government of Narok to suspend its finance bill that has doubled entry fee into the Massai Mara Game reserve.
In a notice a week ago, the County Government of Narok limited entry fee into Masai Mara to 12 hours instead of 24 hours.
“The County treasury wishes to inform all stakeholders that the amount chargeable for entry into Massai Mara National reserve is a twelve 12-hour ticket applicable from 6.00 am to 6.pm the time of entry notwithstanding. This is in relation to fees and charges in the first schedule of the financé act 2022 relating to Maasai Mara National Reserve Park fees and charges,” read a notice by the Narok County CEC for finance David Mundet.
The notice said that the County had done so in order to raise cash to fund its budget.
Addressing a press conference at a Nairobi Hotel, officials of the (CKTG) said the moves means the charges into the Park have been doubled.
In the last financial year, foreigners were charged usd 80 which is equivalent shs 11,248 for 24 hours stay in the Mara.
Locals were charged shs 1500.
Hemed Idi Mukui the National chairman of the (CKTG) said Tourism worldwide follows a pre-sales model of business whereby the vast majority of safaris are sold even up to a year in advance – very few safaris are sold on a “walk-in” basis.
“The changes that the County Government of Narok seeks to introduce are therefore, covering safaris that have already been confirmed and the bookings paid for. It would, ethically, morally and legally not be possible to go back to the clients to add more money for concluded safari packages,” he said.
Hemedi added that the proposed changes also come in during the high season when the vast majority of travelers come to Kenya.
He said the 24-Hour rule has been in use over the years without any question and this was the basis for sales made for the forthcoming season.
Meitamei Ol Dapash the secretary general said Tourism Industry stakeholders seeking to comply therefore risk either making losses in the millions (they would have to pay from their pockets) or receiving potential lawsuits from Agents whose clients will be aggrieved by the changes to the contracted services.
He said the proposed changes will inevitably paint the destination in a negative light internationally.
Oldabash called on the Narok County to suspend the proposed changes until December 2023 to allow commitments made by industry stakeholders in the current season to be honored.
Charles Kataro the CEO of Lake Victoria Tourism Association said the suspension will help avoid conflict with overseas Agents whose clients will be aggrieved by the changes to their safari arrangements.
He said if the County Government of Narok does not reverse its decision, Kenya risks losing tourists to Tanzania and other Countries.