Kenya’s Cabinet has approved the transfer of Amboseli National Park from central government management to the local authority, Kajiado County Government. The transfer follows a 2023 directive from Kenyan President William Ruto in response to ongoing petitions from the Maasai community for the return of the park to the local authority.
Following the approval, Kajiado County will take over day-to-day operations while the Kenya Wildlife Service will retain responsibility for the national conservation oversight role.
The transfer is a reversal of a 1970 decision – prompted by pressure from conservation and tourism role players – to transfer Amboseli to the central government.
Speaking at a press conference, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku expressed his gratitude to the President and his Cabinet for giving the county the mandate to manage Amboseli.
“We are here today representing the entirety of the Maasai community. We hereby express our utter gratitude to the President for entrusting us with this vast resource that is Amboseli National Park. It is a clear fulfilment of a promise made to the Maasai community that our heritage will be returned to us,” Lenku said.
Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho Martine said the priority will be to empower the local community, promote sustainable management and ensure fair distribution of ecological and economic benefits of conservation.
“Our expectation is that of a transformed Kajiado with us scaling the ladder to elevate Amboseli to a different level that benefits the community and county at large.”
