Kenyan cabinet has approved the transfer of Amboseli National Park in southeast of the country to the Kajiado County government, it was announced on Wednesday.

The reallocation has been hailed by local leaders as a milestone as it fulfils a presidential directive issued in response to a petition by the Maasai community.

The handover will be done under Article 187 of the constitution, which allows the transfer of functions between levels of government, introducing a phased co-management model.

Following the approval, Kajiado County will take over day-to-day operations of Amboseli National Park, while the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) will retain responsibility for the national conservation oversight role.

Speaking at a press conference, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku expressed gratitude to President William Ruto and his cabinet for giving the mandate to his administration to handle and manage the resources in Amboseli National Park.

“We as the leadership of Kajiado County 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 in 2023 that our heritage will be restored to us,” Lenku said.

He urged the Maasai community to unite and celebrate the win, saying: “Let us lay aside our political affiliations and unite to protect this Maasai heritage as a community.”

Kajiado Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho called for a smooth transition that will ensure Amboseli National Park as an exotic wildlife destination under the county’s management will empower the local community, promote sustainable management and ensure fair distribution of ecological and economic benefits of the conservation.

“I am grateful that this great resource is finally back in the hands of its people and that justice has finally been served to the Maasai community. 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,” he said.

Majority Leader Kajiado County Assembly Loisa John Lemayian reassured the community that the county government has the capability and capacity to handle the great responsibility entrusted to them regarding the management of Amboseli National Park.

The chair of Gender, Culture, Tourism and Wildlife Committee Naisiae Karia pledged to ensure proper legislative steps in guaranteeing smooth transition and in the management of Amboseli National Park for better management of resources.

“Today we celebrate not only the return of Amboseli National Park to its people but also the return of our heritage and the dignity of our people,” Karia said.

For smooth transition, the National Treasury will compensate the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for any revenue loss.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Lauryn Nailantei