KWS defies Ruto's order on management of parks

Governor Ole Lenku call out KWS for withholding revenue meant for counties and handing over management of parks despite President Ruto’s order.

Governor Joseph Ole Lenku on Tuesday criticized Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for a slow process in the handover of Amboseli National Park to the County Government of Kajiado.

This comes after in August 2023, President William Ruto ordered the then Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza to hand over the management of the park to Kajiado County.

Despite President Ruto’s directive, KWS has continued collecting revenue from Amboseli to the tune of Ksh1.3 billion per year.

“A committee was formed by CS Alfred Mutua (current Tourism CS) that brings together the National Government and civil societies to handle the transition. KWS which is a key stakeholder in the project, has since refused to give it back,” Governor Lenku said.

The Governor who also serves as the Maa spokesperson noted that KWS was trying to frustrate the process from within.

“The process is now slowing down but we are grateful that we have good support from the President,” the Governor stated.

While vowing to ensure that Amboseli was handed over to Kajiado County, Governor Lenku asked KWS not to factor in revenue from Amboseli in the 2024/2025 Financial Year.

“They have been saying they are unable to release revenues because it was budgeted in this financial year,” he spoke of KWS management.

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Governor Lenku explained that KWS should not continue disobeying the presidential directive explaining that the Service had on two occasions failed to attend a function convened by CS Mutua.

Additionally, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has since ordered the County Government of Kajiado and KWS to hasten the handover process.

Ole Lenku plans to increase revenue collected in Amboseli National Park from Ksh1.3 billion to Ksh3 billion.

The Governor explained that this would be achieved by sealing wastefulness loopholes and streamlining the management of the park.

This increased revenue will be used to advance devolution by investing in community projects according to the Governor.

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