- It will be chaired by Martine Moshisho.
- The team will advice on the implementation of the county wildlife conservation and management strategy.
Image: KURGAT MARINDANY.
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has finally named an eight-member team to oversee the transfer and management of Amboseli National Park from the national government to the county.
In a notice dated October 19, Lenku has named Martine Moshisho as the chairperson of the Technical Committee.
Others are John Kamanga, Joel Nyika, Jackson Mwato, David Western, Verah Moraa, Jackson Mpario and Augustine Sekeyian who is the secretary.
The Technical Committee has one month to submit its report to the governor with appropriate recommendations on the implementation of the presidential directive on the transfer of the park.
According to the notice, the terms of reference of the committee are to advise on the principles, objectives, standards, indicators, procedures and incentives for the protection, conservation, management sustainable utilization and control of wildlife resources within the county.
“It will oversee the effective implementation of the national and county wildlife policy and the preparation and implementation of management plans on community and private land,” reads the notice.
The team will also advise on the implementation of the county wildlife conservation and management strategy at least once every three years, in accordance with which wildlife resources in the county shall be protected, conserved, managed and regulated.
As part of its scope, the committee will be tasked with reviewing and making appropriate recommendations on the Amboseli ecosystem.
This will be based on management plans and land use planning initiatives in consultation with all relevant stakeholders with particular regard to critical wildlife habitats, corridors and dispersal areas for the better management and conservation of wildlife.
The establishment of the Committee follows an order by President William Ruto to have the park put under the management of the county.
Ruto, while attending a Maa cultural fair in Narok on August 22, directed the Tourism Cabinet Secretary to expedite the process of actualizing it.
"You have demonstrated beyond doubt that you have the capacity to manage the resource," said Ruto.
He added that after meeting the Maa leaders, he is now satisfied because of the history of the Maasai on conservation and said those involved in the process should start working towards the course.
The Head of State noted former president Mwai Kibaki had issued an executive order during his reign on the same and confirmed that will also be the same case for his administration.
He also said that the Kajiado county government, which hosts the park, will add more land for the conservation of wildlife so that it can increase the proceeds that come from the park.
In consultation with the governor, the team has been given powers to co-opt other staff in the county or a professional expert in carrying out its work.