Kajiado leaders laud Ruto for handing over Amboseli Park to county gov't

Speaking in Kajiado on Saturday, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku said the President's gesture has demonstrated statesmanship and promised to back the President in both his development and political agendas.

"We as Kajiado residents thank you for facilitating the handover through your Cabinet, and we will support you in your political journey," he said.

However, Kajiado Senator Kanar Seki, who has recently become the President's harsh critic, urged him to give the county government full control, saying the devolved unit is capable of running the park.

"The county government can manage that national reserve because it is able," he noted.

This came after the Cabinet ratified the Amboseli National Park to the County Government on a 50:50 revenue sharing basis between the County and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) following a petition by the Maasai community in 2023.

Cases of human-wildlife conflict have been a thorny issue for key conservationists, especially within the Maasai community, whose quest for pasture within Kenya's parks has resulted in increased conflict.