As the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) embarks on a three-day tour to assess Nakuru county’s potential in the inland blue economy, stakeholders are keen on having the county governments get a share of the benefits accrued from natural resources hosted in the region.

CRA commissioner Hadija Juma noted that the sharing of the revenues will help promote the financial independence of the counties through enhancing their own source revenue.

"Increased own source revenues will help the county to continue with its operation in the event of delays from the exchequer," said Ms Juma.

Nakuru county is banking on the geothermal power generation as well as tourism activities brought about by the county’s major lakes.

Read: How the magnificent Lake Solai was formed

Governor Susan Kihika said her administration is committed to working closely with the commission to ensure there is equitable sharing of the resources.

Ms Kihika pointed out that the county is a host to abundant natural resources ranging from the lakes, wildlife, geothermal energy as well as rivers whose revenues should contribute towards improving the lives of the residents.

For instance, she outlined the geothermal plant stations in Menengai and Olkaria alongside the five lakes as potential areas for exploitation in a bid to expand the region’s economy

"These lakes present significant opportunities for economic development within the blue economy sector," said Ms Kihika.

Stakeholders have however welcomed the idea of sharing of the benefits between the national and the county governments which they say was long overdue.

Also Read: Lake Solai: The little known fishing hub in Rongai

The Kenya Hotels and tourism Association chairperson Mr David Mwangi argued that it was time for the counties to get shares of the revenues that are commensurate with their contributions to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Mr Mwangi regretted that Nakuru has not been benefiting from any income generated from its tourism activities brought about by its four major lakes including Lake Nakuru, Naivasha Solai and Elementaita.

“Nakuru is a major tourist destination while at the same time being one of the two geothermal producing counties alongside Baringo. However, residents of the counties have nothing to show for it and it is time the revenues be shared,” said Mr Mwangi.

Joseph Muya, a director at the Lake Nakuru National park also welcomed the move which he said will help develop the regions where the resources are found.

According to Mr Muya, the government can continue managing the resources but at least give a percentage of the revenue to the locals.

Related: Lake Solai the hidden gem of Nakuru

“The monies should be channelled towards development of schools, infrastructures and also solve certain challenges facing locals in the region,” said Mr Muya.

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Nakuru hoteliers welcome proposed revenue sharing formular on natural resources

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