Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has dismissed a recent Standard newspaper report on the state of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, calling the outlet “jealous and lazy” and questioning the accuracy of its claims.
In its December 10 publication, the Standard Media Group reported that the reserve is facing its most serious challenges in decades.
The paper cited land grabbing by influential individuals, poisoned wildlife, blocked migration corridors, and conflicts among communities and powerful stakeholders as mounting threats to the ecosystem.
According to the report, predators are being killed, habitats are being fragmented, and communities are being pushed into violent protests as powerful figures attempt to seize land within the reserve.
It further noted that over 50 percent of facilities built within 30 meters of riparian land contribute to environmental degradation, and more than 55 percent of tourist establishments lack proper ecological impact assessments.
The county government of Narok was also reported to have collected over KSh 4 billion in park fees in 2023.
In response, Ole Kina rejected the report’s conclusions, insisting that the Maasai Mara cannot be destroyed and accusing the media of exaggeration.
“No matter how hard you try, you’ll never tear down the Maasai Mara. Stop your jealous, lazy reporting; we see through your nonsense,” he said.
