Speaking in Suswa, Narok County, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the president announced that the government had resolved to allocate additional acreage to locals.
Part of the contested land hosts key regional infrastructure, including the Naivasha Inland Dry Port.
“You told me the people of Narok wanted a share of Kedong Ranch. I’ve now added 6,000 acres using government funds to the 4,000 acres you already had — bringing the total to 10,000 acres,” Ruto declared.
He further announced that beneficiaries of the land allocation would receive their title deeds within one week.
“Bring me
the names of the intended title deed holders, and I will issue the title deeds
once the list of beneficiaries is provided. In one week, the title deeds will
be here with you,” he assured.
The issue of Kedong Ranch has long been a thorny matter among the Maasai community, with political leaders from the region previously accusing powerful politicians from past administrations of attempting to grab the land.
Ruto also revealed that the national government had officially handed over the management of the contested Mau Forest to the Narok County Government to oversee its conservation and administration.
Additionally, the president announced that the government had allocated funds for constructing a perimeter fence around the Mau Forest to deter invaders. He said the first phase would cover 100 kilometres to help protect this vital water catchment area.
“As part of the efforts to end the long-running disputes over the Mau Forest, I have come here today with a title deed to officially hand it over to the Narok County Government. This will ensure the controversy surrounding the forest finally comes to an end,” Ruto stated.
“The forest
will now be under the administration of the Narok County Government for the
benefit of locals and the nation as a whole. I have also secured funds for
constructing a fence around the entire forest to keep off invaders,” he
directed.
He firmly clarified that the government would not allow locals to move back into the forest, countering allegations that had been made against his administration.
The Mau Forest has long been the subject of historical land disputes, which have at times led to deadly conflicts over its boundaries.
