President William Ruto on Saturday officially issued a presidential proclamation transferring management of Amboseli National Park from the National Government to Kajiado County.
The move recognises the park’s deep historical ties to the Maasai community and is framed as part of ongoing efforts to address long-standing communal land claims and ensure intergenerational equity.
President William Ruto, during the handover of Amboseli National Park to the Government of Kajiado County on November 8, 2025.PHOTO/PCS
President William Ruto engaging with maasai traders during the ceremony to hand over the Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County on November, 8, 2025. PHOTO/PCS
President William Ruto with other State officials dancing during the handover of Amboseli National Park to the Government of Kajiado County on November 8, 2025.PHOTO/PCS
President William Ruto arrives at State House, Nairobi from Kajiado on November 8, 2025.PHOTO/PCS
President William Ruto speaking during the ceremony to hand over the Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County on November, 8, 2025. PHOTO/PCS
Handover of Amboseli National Park to the Government of Kajiado County on November 8, 2025/PCS
It also recognises earlier attempts to resolve the question of ownership and underlines the importance of involving local communities in conservation and development efforts.
The order takes effect following the signing of a framework agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and the Kajiado County Government.
The handover represents a major milestone in advancing devolution and preserving cultural heritage.
President William Ruto with Maasai leaders during the ceremony to hand over the Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County on November, 8, 2025. PHOTO/PCS
Handover of Amboseli National Park to the Government of Kajiado County on November 8, 2025.PHOTO/PCS
President William Ruto hands over an elephant statue to Kajiado Governor Joseph Lenku on November 8, 2025.PHOTO/PCS
President William Ruto with other State officials during the handover of Amboseli National Park to the Government of Kajiado County on November 8, 2025.PHOTO/PCS
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and President William Ruto (centre) at State House, Nairobi after the handover of Amboseli National Park to the Maasai community on November 8, 2025.PHOTO/PCS
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku commended President Ruto for transferring Amboseli National Park to the people of Kajiado, describing the decision as a historic act of justice and restoration.
Lenku said the President’s directive to shift management of the park from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to the county government on behalf of the local community marks the conclusion of a decades-long struggle for land rights and ownership.
