President Ruto Formally Transfers Management of Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County
Governor Lenku said, will help the local community reap directly from the tourism dollar and get more jobs, while conservation will be improved on.
President William Ruto during the handover of Amboseli National Park to the Government of Kajiado County Photo/Coutersy
By Ruth Sang
President William Ruto has officially declared the transfer of Amboseli National Park from the National Government to the County Government of Kajiado, a move that is considered a major milestone for devolution and heritage conservation in the country.
Ruto said through the proclamation that the decision recognizes Amboseli’s deep historical and cultural ties to the Maasai people and will bring an end to protracted land ownership disputes and ensure equal development for current and future generations.
The proclamation further underscores the need for active involvement of local communities in the management of wildlife, tourism, and the environment. It acknowledges earlier efforts by the government to handle questions of ownership while emphasizing collaboration between the national and county governments in managing natural resources.
The transfer comes after the signing of a comprehensive framework agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the County Government of Kajiado, where the terms for its joint management through a transition period were defined.
The Governor of Kajiado County, Joseph Ole Lenku, said that this was a “historic act of justice,” finally restoring ownership and dignity to the people of Kajiado after years of advocacy.
“The return of Amboseli to its rightful custodians is a monumental moment for the Maasai community,” Lenku said. “This gesture by President Ruto brings closure to decades of struggle and reaffirms the spirit of devolution and inclusivity envisioned in our Constitution.”
The arrangement, as outlined in a Gazette Notice published on October 14, shows how the revenues from the park will be gradually transferred to the county over a period of three years. In the 2026/2027 financial year, revenue sharing will be shared equally between the National Government and the County Government of Kajiado at 50 per cent each.
In the year 2027/2028, Kajiado County’s share will increase to 70 per cent, while the National Government’s portion decreases to 30 per cent. In the year 2028/2029, it will have fully transferred ownership and management of Amboseli National Park and all its revenues to Kajiado County.
This, Governor Lenku said, will help the local community reap directly from the tourism dollar and get more jobs, while conservation will be improved on.
The decision has also been hailed by environmentalists and community leaders, who see the model as progressive in terms of managing natural heritage sites through local participation. The handover of Amboseli not only symbolizes a triumph for devolution but also reflects Kenya’s broader commitment to making sure conservation and development are core to communities that have lived alongside protected areas.
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