Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki speaking during Jamhuri Day celebrations at the newly built Kajiunduthi Stadium in Muthambi Ward, Maara Constituency, December 12, 2025. /SCREENGRABTharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has renewed calls for the national government to enter into revenue-sharing partnerships with counties that border national parks, arguing that local communities bear the brunt of human–wildlife conflict yet reap little financial benefit from tourism.
Drawing parallels with existing arrangements between the national government and Narok and Kajiado counties over the Maasai Mara and Amboseli national parks, Njuki said Tharaka Nithi deserved similar consideration because of its extensive boundary with Meru National Park.
“We have Meru National Park, the longest boundary of all the counties that border Meru National Park is the Tharaka Nithi county boundary,” the governor said.
“That is why we have asked the President that when he is considering the other counties that have national parks for partnership, we are the people who suffer the most consequences when elephants stray from the park.”
Njuki noted that residents frequently suffer crop destruction and injuries when wildlife moves out of the park, yet the county receives no direct share of the tourism revenue generated from the protected area.
He said a partnership would recognise the role local communities play in wildlife conservation and conflict mitigation.
“So if there are people who deserve partnership, are the people of Tharaka Nithi,” he said, adding that the county was not seeking ownership of the park.
“We do not want to have the whole park, but we want to share the revenue between the Ministry of Tourism and us, Tharaka Nithi county, us who are preventing elephants from straying from the park.”
The governor made the remarks during Jamhuri Day celebrations at the newly built Kajiunduthi Stadium in Muthambi Ward, Maara Constituency, where he also urged local leaders to push the agenda at the national level.
He specifically called on Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, the chairperson of the National Assembly Tourism and Wildlife Committee, to lobby for the proposal.
At the same event, Njuki issued a stern warning over the destruction of forests and hills within the county, singling out Kiera Hills and the surrounding areas where indigenous trees are being felled.
“We have people who are cutting indigenous trees in Kiera Hills and other hills around here,” he said.
“Those cutting trees are the ones making Tharaka Nithi start becoming a desert.”
He questioned why government officers were allowing the destruction to continue, noting that hills and forests are public land.
“There’s not a single mountain that has an individual’s title deed. That mountain belongs to the government 100 per cent, so how are people getting into government land and cutting trees?”
County Commissioner David Gitonga echoed the governor’s concerns, warning of decisive action against those involved in illegal logging and charcoal burning.
“If you are found destroying trees in the forest, be on the lookout, I will personally be on the frontline to come deal with you,” Gitonga said, citing frequent fires in Kiera Hills.
Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner David Gitonga speaking during Jamhuri Day celebrations at the newly built Kajiunduthi Stadium in Muthambi Ward, Maara Constituency, December 12, 2025. /SCREENGRABHe also raised concerns that some charcoal transporters were obtaining permits improperly and called for the county environment committee to be made more active.
Beyond environmental issues, Gitonga raised alarm over a reported rise in teenage pregnancies in the area, describing the situation as unacceptable and criminal.
“How does a child below 18 years get pregnant?” he asked, referencing the Children Act.
He said reports indicated that more than 100 girls had been impregnated and warned that cases would be pursued.
“I’m warning you, we will follow up on those cases, I will come for you,” Gitonga said, adding that parents would also be questioned where minors were involved.
The two leaders said there was a strong commitment between the county and national administrations to work closely to protect natural resources, safeguard children, and pursue unified development for the people of Tharaka Nithi.
