The Narok County Government has dismissed claims made
against the establishment of the Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp, terming
them “unfounded, malicious, and self-serving".
In an official response dated July 29 and addressed to
Meitamei Ole Dapash, Director of the Maasai Education, Research and
Conservation (MERC) Institute, the county government defended the legality and
sustainability of the luxury tourism venture operated by Marriott International
Inc. within the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Dapash had, in a letter dated July 24 and addressed to the
President of Marriott International, raised concerns about the impact of the
safari camp on conservation efforts in the reserve. The letter was also copied
to the Governor of Narok.
However, County Secretary Mayan Olejuya, writing on behalf of
the Narok County Government, refuted the allegations.
He said the
accusations were “premised on biased and unfounded claims” and had little to do
with genuine conservation or preservation of the reserve.
“The Ritz-Carlton
Maasai Mara Safari Camp, like many other establishments within the Maasai Mara
National Reserve, is a lawful lessee of the County Government of Narok,”
Olejuya stated.
He added that the company operates in accordance with a
lease agreement and within the legal framework of Kenya, specifically adhering
to the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013.
According to the letter, the establishment is guided by the
Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan 2023–2032, a policy document
developed through public participation and approved by the Narok County
Assembly.
Olejuya emphasized that the safari camp aligns with
conservation efforts outlined in the management plan, including protection of
endangered species like the black rhino in partnership with Kenya Wildlife
Service (KWS) and Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).
“The Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp does not interfere
with the habitat of any endangered species in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem,”
the letter noted.
In defending the camp, Narok County also highlighted its
contributions to the local economy, citing employment creation, promotion of
cultural tourism, and community social responsibility programs.
“These initiatives generate the much-needed revenue for the
County Government of Narok and benefit local residents,” the county said.
The county reiterated its commitment to sustainable
management of the Maasai Mara National Reserve as a heritage site of national
and international importance.
“We shall continue to work with all tourism stakeholders and
partners, including the Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp,” Olejuya
concluded.
The Ritz-Carlton project has stirred public debate in
conservation circles, with critics arguing for stricter controls on development
in the fragile Mara ecosystem.
But the county insists the facility operates within the legal and ecological boundaries set out in national and county laws
