Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has commended President William Ruto for handing over Amboseli National Park to the people of Kajiado, terming the move a historic act of justice and restoration.
Lenku said the decision by the President to transfer the park’s management from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to the county government on behalf of the local community marks the end of a decades-long struggle for land rights and ownership.
“By handing over Amboseli National Park to the community, President Ruto has overturned a historical injustice,” Lenku said.
Speaking during the ongoing Maa Festival in Amboseli, the county boss said this was a bold decision and a moment of pride for the Maasai people and a victory for devolution.
“Every administration has been petitioned by the Maa nation against that injustice. We celebrate President Ruto’s courage to recognise that this is an injustice, but not only to recognize but to take a step to correct the injustice,” said Lenku.
The move, he stated, is is a game-changer because it also shows that the truth has been done.
"God has heard our cry, President Ruto has corrected an injustice, and we celebrate that courage," he said.
“It is very emotional, you will see tears flowing, you will see people celebrating; new songs have been developed, and therefore the Maa nation stands on the verge of history."
He said that Kajiado County, which will be managing the park on behalf of the community, is on the verge of a new economic dispensation.
Noting that the residents have suffered huge losses over the years because of human-wildlife conflict, including deaths, Governor Lenku said that finally locals will enjoy the benefits of hosting such a globally acclaimed natural resource.
“It will also change the history in a sense that our community will now own their wildlife and benefit from the same,” he said.
He said they have already initiated the process of managing the park by establishing a semi-autonomous body to run it, noting that the body will ensure three top priorities are achieved and sustained.
“The land upon which this wildlife and these people live, the wildlife, our natural God given heritage, and our community livelihoods,” he said.
“In the past, the environment and the community's livelihoods have not been given due consideration. It was actually like repatriating profits to another country,” said Governor Lenku.
According to the agreement contained in a Gazette Notice dated October 14, the park revenues will be progressively shared between the National Government and the County Government over a three-year transition period.
In the 2026/2027 financial year, both the County Government of Kajiado and the National Government will each receive 50 per cent of the revenues.
The share will then shift in 2027/2028, with the County Government taking 70 per cent and the National Government 30 per cent.
By the 2028/2029 financial year, Kajiado County will assume full control, receiving 100 per cent of the park’s revenues.
Additionally, the County Government of Kajiado will receive a portion of revenues collected in the 2025/26 financial year to cater for costs incurred during the transition phase.
Amboseli National Park collects approximately Sh1.5 billion annually from gate charges, among others. Known for the stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is also the second leading tourist destination in the country, with the big herds of elephants being the biggest tourist attraction.
The festival will take place from November 4-9 at Amboseli National Reserve’s Kimana Gate in Kajiado County.
The festival, which draws thousands of visitors annually, will feature traditional dances, art, cuisine, fashion, and rites of passage.
The last event was held in Samburu County and also attended by Ruto.
