Kibwezi: State to erect 135 km electric fence to end human-wildlife conflict

 

The Government will spend a total of Sh150 million on the installation of an electric fence of 135 Km in Kibwezi area Makueni to end human Wildlife Conflict according to the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Alfred Mutua.

Speaking at Kyusyani shopping Centre, during a public meeting to address human-wildlife conflict incidences in Kibwezi East Constituency, Mutua said that the Government has already allocated Sh50 million for the first phase.

This, he said, stretches from Masongaleni to Ngaanzi with a total of 65 Km.

He added that the preparation of the second phase which will cost Sh100 million is at an advanced stage and expected to begin in a month's time.

The second phase runs from Ngiluni to Masongaleni with a length of 75 Km.

CS Mutua assured the residents that his ministry is determined to work collaboratively with local communities, conservationists, and relevant authorities to develop practical solutions that ensure the coexistence of humans and wildlife. 

The CS said that he will establish coordinators who will closely work with KWS to ensure that reports of Jumbos marauding the area are quickly returned to the park.

He admitted that Human Wildlife is a national crisis that needs attention from all stakeholders. 

Within a span of one month, three people have been reported dead and one hospitalised (a woman) at Kenyatta Hospital following the Jumbos attack. 

The most affected areas include Ngiluni, Likoni, Athi Ngomana and Ingola Mbaa villages in Mtito Andei and Masongaleni Ward Kibwezi.

By the time of the CS address, there were six elephants roaming in the area and he ordered the KWS officers to return them to the Forest within 24 hours.

So far the government has an allocation of Sh1.1 billion against filed compensation of  5.7 billion following deaths and destruction caused by Wildlife 

The other most affected areas include  Kilifi, Kwale,Narok, Isiolo, Laikipia, Embu, and Meru among other counties.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr said that his government will work hand in hand with the national government to find a lasting solution to the intensive human_Wildlife conflict.

"As the County Government we have been spending monies made for development to help victims cater for medical bills, burial, and school fees for affected families," mentioned Mutula.

The budget we set for the fence isn't enough to dig a borehole for water provision to the residents' neighbouring community, something that has made the area lag behind development-wise.

Mutula urged the national government to do projects that will benefit the community economically like sinking boreholes to prevent them from poaching.

"Once the community receives this project it will be a great friend of the park and will definitely take care of the animals as it happens in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania," Mutula said.

Kibwezi East Mp Jessica Mbalu has urged all leaders to avoid politicking the issue in order to find a lasting solution.

Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse has urged the state to fast-track the compensation process to enable the residents to get back to their normal lives instead of keeping them waiting for years with no fruits.

The area MCA Francis Mulwa said he will be on the front line to mobilise his residents when called upon to help in any activity that will see the animals remain separated from the people.

Monica Mutinda a resident of Ngiluni village, Kibwezi East said that the state intervention is much welcome to offload the burden of total loss in their shambas.   

BY  VERONICA NTHAKYO