High Court Bars Ole Lenku From Taking Over Amboseli National Park Pending Contempt Hearing
News Updated: 13 July 2026 10:35 EAT
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The High Court has temporarily barred Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku and the Kajiado County Government from taking over the management or operations of Amboseli National Park pending the hearing of a contempt application on July 24, 2026.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued the interim orders directing that the existing management of the park remain unchanged until the court determines whether previous conservatory orders were disobeyed. The orders effectively stop the county government from assuming any administrative or operational role at the park before the case is heard.
The dispute stems from the national government's decision to transfer the management of Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County under a Deed of Transfer signed in October 2025. The move was intended to allow the county to progressively manage one of Kenya's most valuable wildlife conservation areas.
The transfer agreement provides for a phased transition lasting until 2029. Under the arrangement, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) would continue to oversee wildlife conservation while Kajiado County gradually assumes responsibility for the park's day-to-day management.
The agreement also proposes a revenue-sharing framework in which income generated from Amboseli National Park would be shared equally between the national government and Kajiado County through the e-Citizen platform.
The case before the High Court was filed by petitioner Joseph Kasau Masaa, who argues that the transfer violates constitutional provisions governing public land, protected areas and public participation. He contends that the process should not proceed until all legal requirements have been met.
The High Court previously declined applications seeking to dismiss the petition, ruling that the constitutional questions raised deserve a full hearing before any permanent decision on the transfer can be implemented.
The latest contempt proceedings were initiated after allegations that efforts were made to implement aspects of the transfer despite court orders preserving the status quo. The court will determine during the July 24 hearing whether any parties acted in contempt.
Governor Ole Lenku has defended the transfer, saying it will enable local communities to benefit more directly from tourism revenue while strengthening community participation in wildlife conservation.
Earlier this year, the governor established a special advisory team to coordinate the proposed transition, including financial, legal, administrative and human resource matters linked to the anticipated transfer of management.
The management of Amboseli National Park has been at the centre of debate for months, with conservation groups and legal experts raising concerns over the implications of transferring the administration of a nationally protected wildlife reserve to a county government.
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya's premier tourist attractions and is internationally renowned for its large elephant population, diverse wildlife and iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park generates significant tourism revenue and plays a vital role in Kenya's conservation sector.
The High Court's interim orders will remain in force until the contempt application is heard on July 24, 2026. The outcome of the proceedings is expected to determine the next phase of the legal battle over the proposed transfer of Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County.
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FELIX MAKONA
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