Amboseli National Park has been handed over to Kajiado County Government.
“We have transferred the management of Amboseli National Park to its host community under the leadership of the County Government of Kajiado,” stated President William Ruto.
He added that the historic decision settles the long-standing issue of ownership and management, honouring heritage and recognizing the community’s rightful place in stewarding this national treasure.
“Our goal is to advance sustainable development by promoting inter-generational equity and empowering local communities to play a central role in conservation for the benefit of both the people of Kajiado and the entire nation,” the Head of State said.
Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu of Narok County that borders Kajiado County noted that For over 51 years, the question of why the Amboseli land, donated by the Maasai community of Kajiado, is in the hands of the national government and not in the hands of the rightful owners.
“The Maa of Kajiado, has been answered today,” he said.
President William Ruto, officially handed over the management of the park to the county government of Kajiado, marking a monumental and great milestone for the Maa people.
According to Ntutu, this is a conversation that has been on every desk of every President in the past 50 years.
The handing over of the Amboseli National Park, at Kimana Gate, on Saturday morning means the management of the Park will now be to the the great people of Kajiado.
Sentiments echoed by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku.
It should be noted that the ceremony was during the last day of the 3rd Maa Cultural Festival.
