President William Ruto has officially handed over the management of Amboseli National Park to the Kajiado County government, marking a historic step in devolving the management of the country’s natural resources to local communities.

The ceremony, held at Kimana Gate during the third Maa Cultural and Tourism Festival, brought together Maasai communities from across the region, to celebrate their heritage and promote cultural tourism.

The handover was formalised with the signing of transfer documents between the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kajiado County, setting in motion a three-year phased transition that will give the county full management of the park by 2028.

During the transition period, park revenues will be shared equally between the national and county governments, with proceeds invested in community empowerment projects. A joint management framework between KWS and the county will safeguard wildlife protection, conservation standards and tourism operations throughout the transition.

President Ruto said the handover underscores his administration’s commitment to strengthening devolution and ensuring that local communities benefit directly from resources within their regions.

“This transition is not merely administrative. It ensures that the people of Kajiado are central to Amboseli’s conservation and prosperity. By returning the park to the people of Kajiado County, we are ensuring that local communities are fully integrated into conservation for shared benefits,” the president said.

He pointed out that the model will guide future partnerships between national and county governments in the management of protected areas.

Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku described the handover as a historic milestone for the residents of Kajiado and the wider Maasai community. He said the move corrects past injustices and guarantees that communities who have long coexisted with wildlife now share in the park’s tourism revenue.

Lenku reiterated that the handover will empower locals through active participation in park management, community development and sustainable livelihoods, stressing that conservation and community welfare must go hand in hand.

Amboseli National Park, home to Kenya’s largest elephant population that offers panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, attracts thousands of local and international tourists annually, contributing significantly to the local economy.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Rop Janet