President Ruto Unveils Bold Plan: 50% Revenue Sharing for Conservation Success

In a significant move aimed at benefiting local communities and ensuring the prosperity of Kenya’s national parks, President William Ruto has announced a groundbreaking plan to allocate 50 percent of revenue generated from national parks to the counties where the conservancies are located. Speaking eloquently during the Maa Cultural Festival in Narok County, President Ruto emphasized that this new strategy, which fosters collaboration between the national and devolved governments, recognizes the pivotal role host counties play in the triumph of these conservancies.

President Ruto’s directive resonates particularly well with Kenyans who have generously relinquished parts of their land for the establishment of game reserves. This 50-50 revenue split not only acknowledges their contribution but also ensures that these communities reap the rewards they rightfully deserve.

“I have directed the Ministry of Tourism to ensure that 50 percent of the revenues generated from our national parks are shared with the county governments in which these conservancies reside,” President Ruto announced, standing proudly in traditional Maasai attire. He went on to assert that it’s crucial for these funds to be directed towards benefiting the very communities that host these national parks, ensuring that their efforts and heritage are properly valued.

Moreover, President Ruto shared a remarkable development concerning the Amboseli National Park. The management of this iconic park will be transferred from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to Kajiado County. This transfer of responsibility reflects the invaluable contribution of the Maasai community, who have not only aided in the preservation of Kenya’s wildlife but have also embedded their culture and identity in these conservation areas. UNESCO’s recognition of the Maasai community and its culture as a global resource underscores the importance of safeguarding their traditions.

Underscoring his commitment to celebrating and protecting Kenya’s heritage, President Ruto declared that the Maa Cultural Festival will ascend to the status of a national event. From the upcoming year onwards, this festival will receive full financial support from the government, and its scope will expand to include the entire nation. President Ruto’s vision is clear: to create a global platform that showcases the rich traditions and cultural treasures of the Maasai people, while also ensuring the economic well-being of the communities that practice these traditions.

In a resolute assertion of his intentions, President Ruto remarked, “This function will become an annual spectacle, engaging not only the three counties initially involved but the entire nation. It will transcend borders and be an event of international stature. The national government, in collaboration with county governments, will ensure the resounding success of this event, safeguarding Maasai traditions and the sanctity of our national parks. Commercial interests tied to these traditions will also receive due attention, further bolstering the prosperity of these communities. Starting next year, this event will be seamlessly integrated into the Ministry of Tourism’s budget.”

President Ruto’s visionary plan encapsulates a harmonious blend of cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and environmental conservation. As the nation looks ahead to this transformative era, it’s evident that President Ruto’s leadership is poised to forge a path towards a sustainable future, where the treasures of the past resonate with the needs of the present.