Governor SAKAJA demands transfer of Nairobi National Park from KWS to Nairobi County in clash with RUTO

Monday, November 24, 2025 - Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, has reignited debate over the management of Nairobi National Park, demanding that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) hands over control to the County Government.

Appearing before the Senate Devolution Committee on Monday, November 24^th, Sakaja said the national Government must allow Nairobi to collect revenues from the park, just as Narok and Kajiado Counties benefit from Maasai Mara and Amboseli respectively.

“We will be making a case in the same way Maasai Mara is managed by Narok County, and Amboseli was handed to Kajiado County.”

“Nairobi National Park, which is almost an eighth of the county, should follow suit,” Sakaja told committee chair Mohammed Abass.

Sakaja revealed that his administration has made at least two formal attempts through letters to Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, seeking control of the park which generated Ksh 1.2 billion last year.

He accused the national Government of dragging its feet, even proposing a 50/50 revenue split instead of full transfer.

Sakaja argued that Nairobi is unfairly constrained compared to other Counties, noting that the park’s presence limits development opportunities while denying the city direct revenue benefits.

He vowed to continue pressing for full control, insisting that the selective application of transfer policies is unjust.

His remarks come weeks after Amboseli National Park was formally transferred to Kajiado County in a landmark deal.

Under the arrangement, Kajiado will progressively increase its share of park revenues until it retains 100 percent by 2028.

The clash sets up a fresh confrontation between Sakaja and President William Ruto’s administration over devolution and resource control.

The Kenyan DAILY POST