President Ruto handing over the Amboseli National Park Map to Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku. Photo by PBS. 
By Andrew Mbuva
In a defining moment for Kenya’s conservation and devolution journey, President Dr. William Samoei Ruto on Saturday officially handed over the management of the iconic Amboseli National Park to the County Government of Kajiado.
The historic event, held during the Maa Cultural and Tourism Festival 2025 in the heart of Amboseli, was a colourful celebration of culture, unity, and progress — a day that brought together the beauty, pride, and resilience of the Maa community.
Flanked by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano, and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General, Prof. Erustus Kanga, the President lauded the handover as a bold step toward empowering local communities and entrenching true devolution in natural resource management.
“This historic decision settles the long-standing issue of ownership and management, honouring our heritage and recognising the community’s rightful place in stewarding this national treasure,” President Ruto declared to loud cheers from the crowd.
He added that the transfer underscores his administration’s commitment to sustainable development through community participation, inter-generational equity, and equitable sharing of natural resources.
“We have transferred the management of Amboseli National Park to its host community under the leadership of the County Government of Kajiado,” he said. “Our goal is to advance sustainable development by empowering local communities to play a central role in conservation for the benefit of both the people of Kajiado and the entire nation.”
The President emphasised that while the County Government will now take charge of the park’s management, the Kenya Wildlife Service will continue to offer technical and conservation expertise to ensure ecological integrity is maintained.
Tourism CS Rebecca Miano hailed the move as a model for future community-centered conservation frameworks, noting that it aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and global sustainability goals.
The festival, attended by regional leaders, cultural ambassadors, and thousands of residents, reaffirmed a shared belief that wildlife, culture, and community prosperity are inseparable pillars of Kenya’s future.
As the rhythmic dances, traditional regalia, and songs of the Maa people filled the air, the day stood not only as a celebration of culture but also as a symbolic victory for devolution — placing conservation and tourism management squarely in the hands of those who live closest to the land.
With Amboseli’s majestic elephants roaming freely beneath the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, the message was clear: Kenya’s natural heritage thrives best when its people are at the heart of its protection.
