Cabinet meeting at State House Nairobi on July 29, 2025./PCS
The Cabinet has approved the transfer of Amboseli National Park to the Kajiado County Government.
The move marks a major milestone in Kenya’s conservation policy and fulfills a presidential directive issued in response to a petition by the Maasai community.
The handover will be implemented under Article 187 of the Constitution, which allows the transfer of functions between levels of government.
It introduces a phased co-management model where Kajiado County will take over day-to-day operations of the park, while the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) will retain responsibility for national conservation oversight.
To support the transition, the National Treasury will compensate KWS for any revenue losses.
A portion of income from the park will still be directed to national conservation activities.
The government says the change is designed to empower local communities, promote sustainable management, and ensure fair distribution of the ecological and economic benefits of conservation.
Amboseli, one of Kenya’s most iconic parks, is home to a rich array of wildlife and draws thousands of tourists annually.
The new structure aims to strengthen protection of its biodiversity while allowing surrounding communities to take a more active role in its stewardship.
The decision is seen as a step toward more inclusive conservation efforts that recognize the role of local communities in protecting natural heritage.
It also aligns with calls by the Maasai community for greater involvement in managing and benefiting from the iconic park.
Amboseli, renowned for its elephant populations and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, remains one of Kenya’s most important wildlife reserves.
The new management structure aims to balance ecological protection with community participation and economic development.
