President William Ruto announced the allocation of 6,000 additional acres of the controversial Kedong Ranch to residents of Narok County during a development tour on Tuesday, bringing the total allocation to 10,000 acres.
The move, described by Ruto as a government-funded purchase for the Maasai community, has reignited discussions over the ranch’s ownership and historical land disputes.
Speaking at the opening of the Suswa Market, Ruto stated, “You told me the people of Narok wanted a share of Kedong Ranch. I’ve now added 6,000 acres using government funds to the 4,000 acres you already had.”
He promised that title deeds for the beneficiaries would be issued within a week, addressing long-standing demands from the Maasai community, who claim ancestral rights to the 75,000-acre ranch.
Kedong Ranch, located along the Narok-Mai Mahiu highway, has been a flashpoint for decades, with the Maasai community alleging historical land grabs by private entities, including reported links to the Kenyatta family among its 23 shareholders.
In 2022, during his presidential campaign, Ruto pledged to acquire the entire ranch and return it to locals, a promise that drew both support and distrust.
The announcement follows a 4,000-acre allocation to the Kitet community and a 1,000-acre reservation for a dry port under the previous administration, leaving 70,000 acres of the ranch in contention.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina previously criticised Ruto’s promises, accusing him of “selling air” without concrete proof of land transfers.
Supporters, however, hailed the allocation as a step toward resolving historical injustices. “This is a win for Narok’s people,” said a resident.
Ruto also announced plans to hand over Mau Forest management to Narok County and fund a perimeter fence to protect the water catchment area, further addressing regional concerns.
Analysts question the legality and transparency of the acquisition, noting that Kedong Ranch Ltd., a private entity, owns the land.
Past court rulings, including a 2016 High Court decision, upheld the company’s ownership, dismissing Maasai claims. The ranch’s commercial value, tied to energy projects and the Naivasha dry port, adds complexity to the dispute.
I’ve bought 6,000 acres of Kedong Ranch for the people of Narok – Ruto pic.twitter.com/v6XHYKI2d5
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) May 6, 2025
