President William Ruto Renews Push to Transfer Amboseli National Park Management to Kajiado County

President William Ruto has renewed his administration’s commitment to transferring the management functions of Amboseli National Park to the County Government of Kajiado, strongly criticizing individuals and groups who have moved to court to block the process.

Speaking during the Maa Cultural and Tourism Festival in Narok on Saturday, November 14, 2026, the Head of State emphasized that the decision to hand over the iconic wildlife reserve is driven by the urgent need to address longstanding historical grievances.

According to the President, placing the park under county oversight ensures that the local Maasai community and regional leadership enjoy a direct role in managing conservation efforts and sharing in the substantial tourism revenues generated by the ecosystem.

The transfer initiative, which was initially formalized through a Deed of Transfer signed in October 2025, has faced fierce legal headwinds after petitioners secured High Court conservatory orders suspending its implementation pending the determination of the suit.

Dismissing the ongoing court challenges as temporary setbacks orchestrated by individuals opposed to community empowerment, President Ruto drew parallels between the Amboseli dispute and previous legal battles over the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Affordable Housing program.

He assured residents and regional leaders that just as his administration successfully overcame legal hurdles to roll out its flagship healthcare and housing agendas, the Amboseli management transfer will ultimately prevail in favor of the people of Kajiado.

The dispute has sparked intense debate among conservationists, county officials, and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), particularly regarding revenue sharing and the stewardship of the expansive surrounding community lands that sustain the park’s wildlife.

As the legal battle continues to unfold in the corridors of justice, local leaders and residents across Kajiado County remain hopeful that the government will fulfill its pledge and finalize the historic handover ahead of the 2027 General Election.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/ruto-renews-push-to-transfer-amboseli-management-to-kajiado-hits-out-at-court-challengers

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