Governor Ole Lenku accuses KWS over delays in handing over Amboseli National Park

Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has urged the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to allow the handover of Amboseli National Park to the Kajiado County Government, as recommended by President William Ruto.

This is after the KWS delayed the handing over of Amboseli National Park, which would have increased revenue collection for Kajiado County.

President William Ruto in August 2023 had ordered the then Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza to hand over the management of the park to Kajiado County.

Speaking during a press briefing on April 30, 2024, governor Ole Lenku noted that despite President Ruto’s directive, KWS has continued collecting revenue from Amboseli to the tune of Ksh1.3 billion per year.

Archbishop Ole Sapit (left) with Kajiado governor Joseph Ole Lenku (centre) among other leaders during thanks giving ceremony at the Amboseli National Park.

“A committee was formed by CS Alfred Mutua (current Tourism CS) that brings together the National Government and civil societies to handle the transition. KWS, which is a key stakeholder in the project, has since refused to give it back,” said Governor Lenku.

The Kajiado governor, who also serves as a spokesperson for the Maa community, disclosed that KWS was attempting to frustrate the handing over of the park to the county government.

“The process is now slowing down but we are grateful that we have good support from the President,” said Ole Lenku.

Meanwhile, governor Ole Lenku has vowed to ensure Amboseli is handed over to Kajiado County, adding that it was unfair for KWS to prevent the county from collecting revenue from the national park.

In addition, he disclosed that KWS should not factor in additional revenue collection from Amboseli in the 2024/2025 financial year.

“They have been saying they are unable to release revenues because it was budgeted in this financial year,” he said.

Ole Lenku further disclosed that he had plans to increase revenue collected in Amboseli National Park from Ksh1.3 billion to Ksh3 billion by sealing loopholes in revenue collection.

The governor emphasized that the national park would increase revenue collection that would be invested in projects for the benefit of residents of Kajiado county.