The management of the Amboseli National Park has been transferred from the national government to the County Government of Kajiado, following the signing of a Deed of Transfer of Management Functions on October 14, 2025.
Gazetted on October 24, 2025, the agreement outlines the details of the handover, including the revenue-sharing framework and the planned transition process.
“The National Government, in consideration of the mutual agreements set forth in this Deed, hereby transfers, conveys, and assigns to Kajiado County Government the management functions of Amboseli National Park,” read part of the notice.
Under the deed, Kajiado County assumes full responsibility for the park’s operations, including conservation, wildlife protection, and tourism promotion.
The transfer is set to take effect 21 days after signing and remain in force for 15 years, subject to renewal.
What the Agreement Entails
The national government will retain oversight of certain functions, while the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) will continue to own the park.
According to the gazette notice, the transfer aligns with Kenya’s constitutional provisions on devolution, which allow functions to be transferred between government levels where more effective management is possible.
The move also follows a presidential directive and consultations by an advisory committee on the handover, which engaged communities across the country.
Also Read: Ruto Transfers Ownership of Amboseli National Park
Revenue Sharing and Financing of Amboseli National Park
Revenues from the park will be jointly collected via the E-Citizen platform, with a phased sharing plan:
- 2026/2027: 50% each for national and county governments.
- 2027/2028: County share rises to 70%.
- 2028/2029 onwards: Kajiado County retains 100% of revenues, while 5% of collections will remain with the National Government to support research and ecological monitoring.
Much of that revenue comes from visitors. Tourists on an Amboseli safari pay daily conservation fees through the eCitizen portal, as the park no longer accepts cash at its gates. Many of these visitors arrive on multi-park itineraries, with tour operators routinely pairing Amboseli with the Maasai Mara in packages such as a six-day Maasai Mara and Amboseli safari, meaning Kajiado’s earnings will be closely tied to the strength of Kenya’s wider tourism circuit.
Also Read: Court Stops KWS Move to Increase Park Fees
Staffing and Transition
A transition management committee will oversee operations until June 30, 2026, ensuring continuity as the national government continues to pay salaries and manage contracts.
All current park employees will be retained, with a phased transfer of human resources and plans to establish a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA) for efficient park management.
Performance and Accountability
Kajiado County is tasked with:
- Maintaining ecological integrity.
- Enhancing ranger training and security measures.
- Promoting sustainable tourism with improved services.
- Engaging at least 75% of local communities in conservation programs.
- Submitting annual performance reports to both the National Assembly and Kajiado County Assembly.
Dispute Resolution and Oversight
Disputes arising from the transfer will first be resolved through negotiation.
If unresolved within 30 days, matters will be escalated to intergovernmental mechanisms. Either party may terminate the agreement with 12 months’ notice in case of breach.
Officials described the handover as a transformative step for Amboseli, expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and ensure local communities directly benefit from the park, while preserving its iconic wildlife and ecosystems.
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This is the death of Amboseli
When do we expect the same to happen to Taita Taveta County where 65% of its land is under Tsavo West National Park and the local community continue to wallow in poverty as a result of destruction from the animals on their farms . President Rutos promise to the locals is still pending