The National Government will retain five percent of Amboseli National Park’s revenue to fund wildlife research and monitoring, as the park transitions to full management by the County Government of Kajiado by 2029.
- •Under a Deed of Transfer signed on October 14, 2025, between Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and Governor Joseph ole Lenku, Amboseli’s management, finances, and staff will be transferred to Kajiado in phases.
- •Revenue will be shared 50:50 in 2026/27, 70:30 in 2027/28, and 100:0 in 2028/29, giving the county full financial control.
- •The deal provides that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) will continue paying Amboseli staff until June 30, 2026, to ensure smooth transition.
“This model safeguards jobs, protects wildlife, and gives local communities a direct stake in conservation,” said CS Rebecca Miano.
A Transition Management Committee will oversee the redeployment of staff, audit competencies, and guide Kajiado in absorbing at least 104 personnel into a new Amboseli Park Management Agency, which will run the park under county law.
Both levels of government will also conduct a capacity and skills audit to prepare the county workforce for park operations, conservation, and tourism services.
The Amboseli handover has revived debate among other devolved units seeking greater control over natural resources.
Taita Taveta County, which hosts part of Tsavo National Park, has in the past petitioned the Senate for joint management and revenue sharing, citing limited local benefits from tourism.
Officials say the Amboseli model, balancing local control with national oversight, could become a template for future park devolution, though success will depend on counties’ ability to manage conservation and finances sustainably.
Ownership of Amboseli remains vested in KWS, with the county required to uphold conservation standards and report annually to Parliament and the County Assembly.
