A flagship project once hailed as a tourism game-changer for Kitui County is now facing tough questions over delays, incomplete infrastructure, and vague financial disclosures. The Mutomo Reptile Park — envisioned as a venom research and eco-tourism hub — is under fire after revelations during a session of the County Assembly’s Committee on Tourism and Natural Resources.
Tourism Chief Officer Mr. Ferdnard Kathenge, appearing before the committee chaired by nominated MCA Hon. Mary Mutune, confirmed that only a portion of the park — including a snake pit, snake house, and crocodile pen — has been completed. Key components such as a museum, nature trail, resource center, parking lot, and administrative facilities remain stalled.
Kathenge explained that the county intends to implement these in phases, citing plans to establish a venom harvesting and anti-venom production facility — but without providing concrete timelines or budget figures.
“We are optimistic that the project will be completed soon. This will be one of the most significant projects in our county,” said Kathenge.
However, Assembly members expressed frustration at the slow pace of implementation and the lack of transparency around the budget.
“What we’re seeing is a big vision with very little execution. The ministry must provide a breakdown of how much has been spent and what’s pending,” said Hon. Mutune.
Public Had High Hopes, But Budget Transparency Still Lacking
In May 2024, during public participation forums for the FY 2024/25 Budget, residents of Kitui South — where the park is located — demanded urgent action to operationalize the facility. They urged county leaders to prioritize fencing, staffing, and completion of visitor amenities to generate revenue and promote conservation.
Earlier in April 2024, a high-profile tour led by the County Assembly Speaker and Deputy Governor reaffirmed official support for the project, with pledges that the reptile park would be completed and linked to medical research.
Despite these pronouncements, an initial review of the county’s budget documents and reports from FY 2023/24 and FY 2024/25 reveals no clear itemized allocations for the reptile park. The most recent Annual Budget Implementation Report provides general tourism expenditure but does not break down absorption rates for individual projects.
This lack of fiscal clarity has raised eyebrows among policy analysts and local stakeholders.
“If this project is a flagship, why isn’t it appearing prominently in the county’s budget reporting? There must be transparency to track its progress,” said a civic activist based in Mutomo.
Pending MOU and Project Stagnation
The Chief Officer further disclosed that the County Government plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kenya Wildlife Service to help address land encroachment, insecurity, and human-wildlife conflict in and around the park. However, committee members questioned why such agreements are still pending years after the project’s launch.
Without tangible financial disclosures, defined timelines, or proper oversight, the Mutomo Reptile Park risks being reduced to another white elephant — a grand idea that never takes off.
The Assembly is now demanding a comprehensive status report and expenditure breakdown from the Department of Tourism, which will inform subsequent scrutiny during the upcoming supplementary budget cycle.
