Nakuru: Residents of Nakuru County have expressed support for the national government's proposal to transfer the management of Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County. The move, discussed during a public participation meeting at the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner's plenary hall in Nakuru, aims to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and ensure local community benefits from the park's revenue. According to Kenya News Agency, the proposal came after a Presidential directive last year which led to the creation of an advisory committee headed by former Machakos Deputy Governor Mr. Francis Maliti. The committee has been collecting public opinions on the management transfer framework across eight regions. Pastor Bellie Onyango, representing people with disabilities at the meeting, emphasized the prolonged suffering of the community from human-wildlife conflicts since the 1970s. He advocated for local management, highlighting that 80 percent of the ecosystem's wildlife lives outside the park boundaries. Pastor Onya ngo also called for the establishment of an autonomous body to manage the park's resources transparently and accountably, ensuring benefits reach grassroots levels. Former Nakuru County Council civic leader Ms. Jane Simita pointed out that transferring the park could provide employment opportunities for many youths. She mentioned that the local community had donated one million acres towards the transfer and currently employs over 6,000 wardens, compared to the Kenya Wildlife Service's (KWS) 25. However, there are concerns about potential mismanagement. Mr. Dan Murugu from the civil society noted that similar transfers had failed due to inadequate training and capacity. He stressed the importance of ensuring the park benefits the entire country. Conversely, Mr. Gabriel Muasya from Rongai argued against the transfer, citing KWS's capacity to manage wildlife effectively and concerns about disrupting wildlife migration patterns. The public participation concluded with Mr. Maliti acknowledging the emotive natur e of the issue and confirming that all stakeholder views, including those from KWS and the State Department of Wildlife, will be considered in advising the president.