Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has praised President William Ruto for officially transferring the management of Amboseli National Park to the people of Kajiado, calling it a historic move that corrects a long-standing injustice.
Speaking during the ongoing Maa Festival at Amboseli, Lenku described the decision as a milestone in the struggle for land rights, emphasizing that it brings an end to decades of community grievances over ownership and benefits from the park.
“By handing over Amboseli National Park to the community, President Ruto has overturned a historical injustice,” Lenku said on Saturday.
He added that the move represents a bold step for the Maasai community 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,” he stated.
Governor Lenku described the handover as transformative, saying it restores fairness and acknowledges the community’s sacrifices. “God has heard our cry, President Ruto has corrected an injustice, and we celebrate that courage,” he said.
The county leader noted the deep emotional significance of the moment for the Maasai people. “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.
With the park now under Kajiado County’s management, Lenku said the local community is poised to benefit economically from their natural heritage. Residents, who have suffered losses from human-wildlife conflicts over the years, will now gain from the park’s revenues.
“It will also change the history in a sense that our community will now own their wildlife and benefit from the same,” he said.
To oversee the transition, a semi-autonomous management body is being established to safeguard three key priorities: the land, wildlife, and community livelihoods. “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,” Lenku added.
Under the terms outlined in a Gazette Notice dated October 14, revenue from the park will be shared between the National Government and Kajiado County over a three-year period.
In the 2026/2027 financial year, both governments will receive 50 percent each. By 2027/2028, the county’s share rises to 70 percent, with the national government taking 30 percent. Full control, including all revenues, will transfer to Kajiado County in 2028/2029.
The county will also receive a portion of the 2025/26 revenue to cover transition costs.
Amboseli National Park generates about Sh1.5 billion annually from gate fees and other sources. Renowned for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, it is the country’s second most visited tourist destination.
The Maa Festival, running from November 4-9 at Kimana Gate, showcases Maasai culture through traditional dances, crafts, cuisine, fashion, and rites of passage, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The last festival was held in Samburu County, also attended by President Ruto
