Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu and former Geothermal Development Company managing director Johnson ole Nchoe have rallied the Maasai community behind President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
The leaders cited government interventions in land ownership, conservation and infrastructure development.
They argued that the Kenya Kwanza administration had addressed longstanding concerns affecting the Maa community. They said its development record should inform political choices ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a Maa declaration meeting at Olopito in Narok North, Ntutu cited the Mau Forest land question, the transfer of Amboseli National Park management to Kajiado county and the creation of Ilchamus subcounty in Baringo as key milestones.
On Mau Forest, the governor pointed to President Ruto’s decision in May 2025 to hand over the forest’s title deed to the Narok County Government.
He described the move as an important step towards resolving longstanding disputes surrounding the conservation of the water tower.
Ntutu also announced plans to fence off sections of the forest to strengthen conservation efforts and curb further encroachment.
Separately, the government has issued more than 9,000 title deeds to Narok residents, including beneficiaries in Olderkesi and Oloonkolin, as part of efforts to address historical land ownership challenges.
The governor also cited the transfer of Amboseli National Park’s management functions to the Kajiado county government. He said the move would give the county a greater role in managing tourism and benefiting from the conservation resource.
He further pointed to the creation of Ilchamus subcounty, headquartered at Mukutani, as a step towards bringing government services closer to the minority community in Baringo.
On infrastructure, Ntutu said the government had committed to constructing 70 kilometres of roads in every subcounty across Maa-dominated counties. The projects are intended to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity.
He also highlighted the Sh1.4 billion Narok International Airport project at Ewaso Nyiro, which is being jointly financed by the national and county governments, each contributing Sh700 million.
The airport is expected to improve access to the Maasai Mara, boost tourism and ease air transport operations serving the wildlife destination.
Ntutu further cited the proposed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha towards Kisumu and Malaba. He said the investment would improve transport connectivity, trade and the movement of goods and people.
During the meeting, the governor received blessings from Maasai elders led by Maasai Council of Elders national chairman Kelena ole Nchoe.
Johnson ole Nchoe said President Ruto’s development initiatives targeting the Maa community were commendable. He argued that Kenyans deserved another opportunity to renew the President’s mandate in the 2027 General Election.
He urged the community to recognise the government’s interventions and support the President’s re-election bid.
The leaders also called on politicians to shun divisive politics and embrace issue-based campaigns. They said political competition should not undermine peaceful coexistence among communities.
They urged leaders to prioritise development, service delivery and the shared interests of residents.
BY MATHEWS NDANYI
