Peter Kaluma, Member of Parliament for Homa Bay Town Constituency, has voiced strong opposition to the recent handover of Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County.

Taking to X on Sunday, November 9, 2025, Kaluma said that handing over national parks to county governments risks mismanagement, reduces public accountability, and undermines the value of Kenya’s protected areas.

“I do not agree with this move. It devalues our parks and diverts necessary public funds to embezzlement by County Governments. Now return Ruma National Park to Homa Bay County,” Kaluma said in a statement.

But the MP expressed concern over the management of parks in his constituency, adding,

“Now return Ruma National Park to Homa Bay County.”

The handover

The reaction comes after President William Ruto officially handed over the management of Amboseli National Park to the Kajiado County Government on November 8, 2025.

The transfer, part of a long-running process, gives Kajiado County authority over day-to-day operations, tourism management, and revenue collection while retaining national oversight through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.

Amboseli National Park, covering approximately 392 square kilometres at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, is one of Kenya’s most iconic parks. It attracts tens of thousands of local and international visitors every year.

Gazetted in 1974 and recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1991, the park has long been managed by KWS. The Maasai community, who have traditionally lived around the area, have disputed the ownership and management of Amboseli for decades, citing cultural and ancestral ties.

Handover sparks local debate

President Ruto’s handover followed years of petitions and negotiations. The Maasai have historically used the land for grazing and cultural practices, but access was restricted after the park’s gazettement, causing grievances over exclusion and unfulfilled promises.

During the announcement, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku expressed deep emotion, saying the handover ends a historical struggle for land rights. The new management framework also includes technical support from the national government to maintain conservation standards.

Under the arrangement, local residents are expected to benefit directly from tourism revenue and community programs, with the aim of promoting environmental justice and sustainable development. President Ruto described the move as a renewal of trust in the people and a model for shared prosperity.