After more than five decades under national government control, Amboseli National Park will now be managed by Kajiado County Government, following a formal transfer of operational responsibilities.
The development was confirmed through a gazette notice outlining the Deed of Transfer, which specifies the scope of duties, funding, workforce, revenue sharing, and duration of the agreement.
Under the arrangement, Kajiado County will handle day-to-day operations, including conservation, tourism management, and wildlife protection, while the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) will retain oversight, ownership, and regulatory responsibilities.
“The national government will maintain the legal framework, conservation standards, research and monitoring, inter-county coordination, and national/international commitments,” the notice stated.
Implications for Kajiado County
The transfer grants the county a major asset and source of revenue, offering increased fiscal space and a direct stake in the park’s success. However, it also brings added responsibilities such as maintaining ecological integrity, tourism infrastructure, security, and wildlife protection.
Revenue-sharing between the national government and Kajiado County has been clearly outlined:
2026/2027 FY: 50% each
2027/2028 FY: 70% to Kajiado, 30% to national government
2028/2029 FY: 100% to Kajiado
Additionally, 5% of total park revenues will be reserved for the national government to support ongoing development initiatives. The agreement is initially set for 15 years, with the possibility of renewal following consultations between both governments. The Deed of Transfer takes effect 21 days after execution, which was October 14, 2025.
A Milestone in Devolved Governance
The transfer represents a major shift in conservation governance, giving counties greater autonomy over key national assets. Kajiado now joins Narok County, which manages another prominent site within the Maasai ecosystem.
Amboseli, home to Kenya’s rich wildlife and iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, has been under national management since its establishment as a national park in October 1973.
The move follows months of lobbying by local stakeholders and Cabinet approval in November 2024, following President William Ruto’s directive to hand over park management to the county in 2023.
This transfer is expected to boost local tourism, revenue generation, and community engagement, while maintaining Kenya’s global conservation standards.
Tags
News