(Kajiado) – The management of Amboseli National Park has officially been transferred to Kajiado County after the approval of the Cabinet. The decision aims to allow the local administration to better manage and benefit from the park’s resources while enhancing the community’s role in conservation.
Governor Joseph Ole Lenku of Kajiado County expressed his gratitude for the decision, which he believes will foster better relationships between local communities and wildlife. He said the transfer would ensure peaceful coexistence between the residents of the region and the wildlife, which has long been a challenge due to the park’s location.
The transfer follows years of legal efforts and public support, particularly from the Maasai people, who form the majority of the population in the area. Governor Lenku thanked President William Ruto for fulfilling his promise to return the park to its rightful owners, the Maa people. The President had made a commitment earlier in 2023 to share the revenues from national parks with the counties where the parks are located.
As part of the plan, 50% of the revenue generated from national parks will now be remitted to the counties hosting the parks, such as Kajiado, Narok, and Samburu. Governor Lenku emphasized that this revenue-sharing agreement will improve the livelihoods of the local communities, who play a key role in preserving Kenya’s wildlife.
Public participation forums were held across various regions to gather input from local communities regarding the park’s transfer. The forums, which took place between June 24 and July 10, 2024, included meetings in Kajiado, Kisumu, Kisii, and Meru. The feedback from these sessions was incorporated into the decision-making process.
In November 2024, a technical team of experts was established by the Ministry of Tourism to oversee the transition of the park’s management from the national government to Kajiado County. The team is tasked with developing a legal framework to guide the transition and ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.
The transfer will allow Kajiado County to manage the park’s entrance fees, which will apply to both local and foreign visitors. The county will also join Narok and Samburu counties in managing the national parks within their borders. This move is part of a broader push to give local governments more control over the resources within their jurisdictions, including the revenues generated from tourism and conservation.