Kajiado: The State Department for Wildlife and the Amboseli National Park Advisory Committee convened a public forum yesterday to discuss the proposed transfer of Amboseli National Park’s ownership from the National Government to the Kajiado County Government. The forum aimed to validate the committee’s report and gather public input on the transfer, which seeks to sustain the park’s wildlife and prevent threats of subdivision and privatization.
According to Kenya News Agency, Eng. Francis Maliti, Chair of the Amboseli National Park Advisory Committee, stressed the importance of the transfer, warning that failure to do so could lead to the park’s decline. Maliti highlighted the harmonious relationship between the nearby community and wildlife, noting that 85 percent of the animals reside on community lands, especially during floods. He emphasized Amboseli National Park’s significant contribution to Kenya’s economy, particularly in tourism, transport, agriculture, and hospitality sectors.
Maliti argued that
transferring ownership to the Kajiado County Government would foster regional development, create job opportunities, and improve living standards. The committee assured that the Kajiado community would benefit from the park’s revenue, which currently generates approximately Sh1.5 billion annually.
David Western, Chairperson of the African Conservation Centre, echoed the importance of community involvement in wildlife conservation. Western, who has monitored elephant populations since 1967, praised the Kajiado community’s efforts, which have led to a doubling of elephant numbers. He underscored the necessity of maintaining this relationship for the benefit of future generations.
During the forum, public attendees expressed concerns about the transfer, including unresolved compensation issues related to human-wildlife conflicts, allocation of transport maintenance levy funds to the park, prioritization of employment for Kajiado residents, and directing park benefits towards education, particularly for girls i
n Kajiado.
