President Ruto hands over Amboseli National Park management to Kajiado County

President William Ruto handover of Amboseli National Park to the Government of Kajiado County, November 8, 2025./PCS

The National Government has officially transferred the management of Amboseli National Park to the leadership of the Kajiado County Government.

President William Ruto described the move as historic, saying it settles the long-standing ownership and management issue of the park.

Speaking during the handover on Saturday, the President expressed confidence in a community-led approach to conservation.

“This is not a weakening of conservation; it is a renewal because conservation led by the people lasts longer, works better, and heals deeper,” he said.

President Ruto noted that the 51-year dispute over Amboseli’s management had posed a serious challenge, leaving the local community excluded from restoration efforts and the park’s benefits.

He added, “I am proud of this moment because I am sure the Maa community are the greatest conservationists. I have no doubt in my mind that Amboseli will be better than what it used to be.”

The handover ceremony coincided with the 3rd Maa Cultural and Tourism Festival at Amboseli National Park, where President Ruto was installed as a Maa elder. During the event, he signed a Deed of Transfer officially returning the park from the Kenya Wildlife Service to the Kajiado County Government.

Among those present were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Governors Joseph ole Lenku (Kajiado), Jonathan Lati Lelelit (Samburu), Patrick ole Ntutu (Narok), Cabinet Secretaries Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Aden Duale (Health), and Soipan Tuya (Defence), Members of Parliament, and the Kajiado County Assembly.

The President assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to protecting wildlife and fulfilling all international obligations.

“The Kenya Wildlife Service and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute will continue to provide various services, including security, ecological monitoring, and technical oversight, as they do in all protected areas,” he said. He added that the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife will also provide policy guidance and technical support to the county.

President Ruto urged county leaders and the Maa community not to allow politics, division, or greed to taint the milestone.

“This agency must be transparent, professional, and operate with integrity for the good of conservation and the community,” he said, adding that he would personally ensure the National Government provides oversight and support.

He also received the county spatial plan for the park and pledged to mobilise resources for its implementation.

In his address, the President cited government actions to correct historical injustices, including returning operations of the Port of Mombasa to safeguard the local economy and removing extra-vetting for citizens living along border counties. He also noted the government’s efforts to conserve the Mau Forest, issuing title deeds and removing encroachers.

Recognising the long 51-year journey to return Amboseli to the Maa community, President Ruto honoured the efforts of Francis ole Legis, Lenku ole Mpaa, and Lesinko ole Nkaitole.

“Today, we honour them posthumously for their selfless fight to defend the rights of their people and to protect the heritage of this park,” he said.

Mudavadi praised the Maa community for their role in conservation. “The Maa are the true protectors and defenders of the savannah. We salute them,” he said.

Governor Lenku described the handover as a correction of historical injustice, saying, “We celebrate the correction of an injustice and a turning point in history by returning the management of Amboseli to the county government.”

Cabinet Secretary Miano called for the Maa Cultural Festival to gain international recognition, while CS Duale highlighted the government’s broader equity efforts, including universal health coverage, affordable housing, removal of extra vetting for IDs, and now the return of Amboseli’s management to the Maa community.

The transfer marks a new era for Amboseli National Park, with conservation expected to benefit both the community and the country.