Ruto renews push to transfer Amboseli management to Kajiado, hits out at court challengers

President William Ruto reiterated his goal to transfer the management of Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County during a recent speech at the Maa Cultural and Tourism Festival in Narok, Kenya. The President argued that this move would provide Kajiado residents with the same benefits as those enjoyed by Narok County from the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Ruto asserted that Amboseli, a former Maasai communal land, should similarly be under the control of the Kajiado County government. He criticized those who challenge the government's actions through the courts, stating that his administration faces continuous frustration from opposition forces. The push to relocate Amboseli's management has been met with legal challenges, primarily from rights activist Joseph Kasau Masaa, who filed a constitutional petition questioning the legality of the proposed transfer.

The High Court recently issued restraining orders to prevent the county from taking over the park's management until the matter is resolved. Despite these legal hurdles, Ruto remains committed to seeing the transfer through, promising that Amboseli will eventually come under Kajiado County's jurisdiction.