(Posted 26th October 2023)
Courtesy of Elephant News / Stenews and Veronica Nthakyo, The Star
The Kenya government will spend Sh150 million to install an electric fence in Kibwezi, Makueni county, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has said.
Mutua said the 135 km electric fence is expected to end human-wildlife conflict in the area.
He said the government has already allocated Sh50 million for phase one, which covers the 65 km, Masongaleni to Ngaanzi stretch.
Mutua said the second phase, which will cost Sh100 million is expected to kick off next month.
He said the second phase will run from Ngiluni to Masongaleni and will cover 75 km.
The CS spoke during a public meeting to address human-wildlife conflict incidences in Kibwezi East constituency.
He told residents that his ministry work with local communities, conservationists and other relevant authorities to ensure peaceful coexistence between human beings and wildlife.
Mutua said he will appoint coordinators who will work with the Kenya Wildlife Service to return the elephants to the park.
Three people have been killed and one woman hospitalised at the Kenyatta National Hospital, following an attack by elephants in the past one month.
The most affected areas include Ngiluni, Likoni, Athi-Ngomana and Ingola Mbaa villages in Mtito Andei and Masongaleni wards.
He ordered KWS to return six elephants that were roaming in the area to the park within 24 hours.
The government has allocated Sh1.1 billion out of Sh5.7 billion filed for compensation of deaths and destruction caused by wildlife.
Other counties affected by human-wildlife conflict are, Kilifi, Kwale ,Narok, Isiolo, Laikipia, Embu and Meru.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr said he will work with the national government to find a lasting solution to the conflict.
“As the county government we have been spending money meant for development to cater for victims’ medical bills, burial and school fees for affected families,” he said before adding: “The budget we have set for the fence is not enough to dig a water borehole for the residents in the neighbouring community. This has made the area lag behind in terms of development.”
Mutula urged the national government to empower the local communities with economic projects, which will keep them from poaching.
“Once the communities receive these projects, they will be great friends of the park and will help take care of the animals, as it happens in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania,” he continued.
Kibwezi East Mp Jessica Mbalu urged leaders to avoid politicking human-wildlife conflict in order to find a solution.
Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse asked the government to fast track compensation process.
MCA Francis Mulwa said he will work with residents to promote activities that will protect them and the animals.
