Human-Wildlife Conflict in Makueni Resolved – CS
The government has announced a major breakthrough in resolving the persistent human-wildlife conflict in Makueni County, bringing relief to farming communities that have long suffered crop destruction and threats to their safety. The Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife declared the success following the implementation of a multi-faceted strategy that included the construction of strategic fences and the translocation of problematic animals from farmlands back into protected areas.
Key to the resolution was the collaborative effort between the national government, the county government of Makueni, and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The CS highlighted that the construction of a perimeter fence along key wildlife corridors has significantly reduced the incidents of elephants and other wild animals straying into villages. Additionally, the deployment of rapid response teams from KWS has ensured that any reported cases are addressed promptly before significant damage occurs.
The CS commended the local community for their patience and cooperation throughout the process. He emphasized that the government remains committed to finding a sustainable balance between conservation efforts and the protection of livelihoods. The resolution of this conflict marks a significant achievement for the region, allowing farmers to cultivate their land without the constant fear of losing their crops to wild animals, thereby securing their primary source of income and food.