ASAL counties demand share of resources proceeds

Governors from the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties want a change in policy to facilitate distribution of proceeds of trade from natural resources to communities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Second ASALs Conference taking place at Mada Hotel in Amboseli National Park, the governors decried a situation where the National government and private investors are becoming wealthier at the expense of the communities.

Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku said trade in natural resources would not be sustainable if local communities are not actively involved.

“We are aware that the tourism sector in the country has shown growth in the last few years, but without the owners’ participation, those gains are unsustainable. It’s time that the locals come to the table where the benefits are shared” he said.

Last year, the Commission on Revenue Allocation launched a new policy for sharing revenue among marginalised counties. 

The Equalisation Fund, a product of the new Constitution under Article 204, has been a subject of intense debate, and yesterday ASAL governors revisited the issue.