The Cabinet has approved the transfer of management of Amboseli National Park to the Kajiado County Government, ushering in a new era in Kenya’s conservation framework and fulfilling a pledge made by the President in response to a petition from the Maasai community.

The decision will be executed under Article 187 of the Constitution, which allows the transfer of functions between national and county governments.

Kajiado will now take charge of the park’s daily operations through a co-management model, while the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) will continue to oversee national conservation standards.

To support the transition, the National Treasury will offer compensation to KWS to cover any revenue shortfalls arising from the change. Part of the income generated from the park will continue to support national conservation efforts.

According to the government, the handover is intended to give more power to local communities, improve sustainable resource use, and ensure a fair share of the park’s ecological and economic benefits reaches the people living around it.

Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most recognised national parks, known for its elephant population and panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. It draws thousands of tourists annually, making it a key part of the country’s wildlife tourism circuit.

Under the new arrangement, the government hopes to boost biodiversity protection while allowing local residents to take a more central role in preserving the park.

Officials say the move reflects a growing shift toward conservation policies that actively include local communities in both management and benefit-sharing.

The decision is also seen as a direct response to long-standing demands by the Maasai community to be more involved in the governance of the iconic wildlife reserve.

By combining ecological conservation with economic empowerment, the Cabinet aims to create a balanced model that secures Amboseli’s future while giving its neighbours a stake in its success.