A long-running dispute over payments from the world-famous Masai Mara Game Reserve has taken a new twist after a judge reversed a ksh611 million award that had previously been granted to Equity Bank.
The ruling marks a major development in the protracted case that has pitted Narok County against the lender in a battle linked to the collection of park fees.
The dispute dates back to a contract in which Equity Bank had been engaged to provide revenue collection services at the Masai Mara, one of Kenya’s most lucrative tourist attractions. The bank claimed that Narok County unlawfully terminated the agreement and sought compensation for losses incurred, leading to an earlier decision awarding it ksh611 million.
The county government, however, challenged the award, arguing that the agreement was riddled with irregularities and violated procurement laws.
In the latest ruling, the judge agreed with Narok County’s position, finding that the contract between the bank and the county did not meet the legal thresholds required for public procurement.
The court further noted that public resources could not be committed through a contract that was tainted with procedural flaws, making the initial compensation award legally untenable. By overturning the earlier decision, the court effectively spared the county from a massive payout that would have weighed heavily on its finances.
The reversal has reignited debate over how counties enter into revenue collection partnerships and the risks of exposing public funds to costly litigation. Legal experts say the judgment underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to procurement rules, especially where public resources are at stake.
For Narok County, which relies heavily on revenues from the Masai Mara to fund its budget, the decision offers fiscal relief while highlighting the need for stricter contract management.
Equity Bank, on its part, has indicated that it is reviewing the ruling and considering its next legal options. The case remains a reminder of the financial stakes tied to the Masai Mara, where billions of shillings are generated annually from tourism.
The latest judgment has shifted the balance in favor of the county, but the broader questions around accountability and proper management of park fees remain unresolved.
Written By Ian Maleve
