Maasai community sets aside 1 million acres to protect Amboseli ecosystem
Governor Joseph Ole Lenku described the transfer as a historic correction of a long-standing injustice against the Maasai community, which has petitioned successive administrations for the return of the park.
The local community within the Amboseli ecosystem will set aside roughly 1 million acres as wildlife buffer zones to support conservation and strengthen protection of the 39,206-acre Amboseli National Park, recently transferred to the Kajiado County government.
Governor Joseph Ole Lenku described the transfer as a historic correction of a long-standing injustice against the Maasai community, which has petitioned successive administrations for the return of the park.
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“We are calling this a double celebration because we are celebrating the return of Amboseli. This is a historical injustice that was committed against our people many years ago,” said Governor Ole Lenku.
“Every administration has been petitioned by the Maa nation against this injustice. We celebrate President Ruto’s courage to recognise that this is an injustice, but not only recognise it, but take a step to correct the injustice,” he added.
President William Ruto and Governor Joseph Ole Lenku display the map marking the transfer of Amboseli National Park. (Photo: William Ruto/X)
He noted that previous attempts, including during President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure, did not succeed.
“To the best of our knowledge, we believe that Kibaki attempted to do this, but due to many factors - some of which we do not even know - it did not happen,” he stated.
According to Governor Ole Lenku, the return of Amboseli National Park through the deed of transfer gazette notice dated October 14 goes a long way towards alleviating the suffering and losses the Maasai community living around the park have incurred for years due to unresolved human-wildlife conflict.
“This is a game-changer because it also shows that the truth has been done. We cannot underrate the economic value of the same, but we also want to say that this wildlife is our heritage; these are our wildlife, these are our animals,” he said.
President William Ruto presided over the handover, calling it a historic milestone that empowers local communities and ensures Kenya’s natural treasures benefit those who have long lived alongside them.
President William Ruto speaks during the handover. (Photo: William Ruto/X)
Amboseli, initially designated as the Southern Reserve for the Maasai and later the Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve, has evolved through various phases of ownership, from ancestral Maasai stewardship to colonial administration and partial government oversight.
President Ruto highlighted the broader significance of the handover.
“By returning the park to the people of Kajiado County, we are ensuring that local communities are fully integrated into conservation efforts for shared benefits,” he said. “This is a milestone in our journey towards inclusive growth and intergenerational equity.”
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