Governor Ole Lenku Sheds Tears Infront Of Ruto As Gov't Hands Over Amboseli To Kajiado County

• Kajiado governor Joseph Ole Lenku shed tears in front of President William Ruto during the Maa Cultural Week in Sekenani
• Ruto announced the national government had handed over the running of Amboseli to the county government, fulfilling the desires of many in the crowd
• He acknowledged the immense contribution of the Maa community to wildlife conservation and their culture as a world resource

Narok - Kajiado governor Joseph Ole Lenku is never known for his emotional side since his days at the helm of the Interior ministry.

However, Kenyans were treated to a rare occurrence when President William Ruto graced the Maa Cultural Week in Sekenani on Tuesday, August 22.

The head of state declared that the national government had handed the running of Amboseli and Maasai Mara conservancies to the county government.

Ruto's message was seemingly a fulfilment of the desires of most in the crowd, including Ole Lenku, who rose and lifted his rungu.

He started walking to the podium accompanied by other leaders as he shed tears, which he kept wiping off his face using a blue cloth.

While on the podium, the floodgates continued to open as East Africa Legislative Assembly Member David Ole Sankok consoled him.

After the landmark declaration by the president, the leaders flocked to the head of state as they thanked him for his decision that would see the county governments increase revenue.

Why Ruto relinquished control of game reserves

During the week-long event, Ruto stated that his government would comply with former president Mwai Kibaki's Executive Order that handed over control of the Maasai Mara and Amboseli reserves to various county governments.

Ruto added that the Maa community had contributed immensely to conserving wildlife and their culture as a world resource.

"I am satisfied because of the history of the Maasai culture, they have assisted in the conservation of our nation, especially our wildlife and conservation areas, whether in Samburu, here in Narok or Kajiado. Because UN has confirmed through UNESCO that this community and their culture are a world resource that needs to be protected.

While President Mwai Kibaki, by Executive Order, said that should be managed by the county government of Kajiado, I confirm that will be the case, and that process is now going to be worked out between the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the county government of Kajiado to oversee that process," he said amid cheers from the leaders.

KWS moves payment for its services to eCitizen

In a separate development, Kenya Wildlife Services announced that its services will be available on the government platform eCitizen.

According to the parastatal, the services will be available to the public on eCitizen from Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

This means that customers can get park, sanctuary and national reserves entry fees online ahead of their visits.