President William Ruto on Saturday formally handed over the management of Amboseli National Park to the host community under the County Government of Kajiado.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a long-standing debate over the park’s ownership and management.
In his address, President Ruto described the handover as a “historic decision” that honours Kenya’s heritage while recognising the community’s role in safeguarding the national park.
“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,” he said.
Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, is among Kenya’s iconic wildlife destinations, drawing both domestic and international tourists.
The park has long been a source of revenue and employment, yet disputes over management and benefit-sharing between the government and local communities have persisted for decades.
Under the new arrangement, the Kajiado County Government and the Amboseli community will oversee park operations, including tourism management, wildlife protection, and community development initiatives.
Officials noted that this model aims to increase local participation while ensuring the park’s conservation standards are maintained.
County leaders welcomed the handover, highlighting the potential for economic growth and community empowerment.
“This transfer acknowledges our rightful place as custodians of Amboseli and opens new opportunities for sustainable development in the county,” said a county representative present at the ceremony.
Conservation experts have described the move as a significant step toward inclusive wildlife management in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of balancing community benefits with environmental protection.
The government confirmed that monitoring mechanisms will remain in place to ensure that Amboseli continues to meet national and international conservation benchmarks while benefiting the local population.
With this transfer, Kajiado County now assumes full responsibility for Amboseli National Park, marking a key moment in Kenya’s efforts to integrate community stewardship into national conservation strategies.