Laikipia MPs upset with a wildlife conservancy over straying animals

Farmers neighbouring Ol Pejeta Conservancy expressed anger over wildlife straying into their farms, causing destruction of their crops.

After years of unattended complaints, the residents from sections Kibubung'i, Marura, Njoguini, Sweetwaters, and Baraka villages a month ago met with their MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, a month ago, expressing their anger over the continued destruction of the food crops by elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, among other animals straying into their farms from the world renown conservancy.

Yesterday, Kiunjuri and his Laikipia North counterpart, Sarah Korere, held a meeting with the management of the conservancy, backed by other stakeholders, where they outlined measures to be taken to address the raging human-wildlife conflict, as well as outlining the timelines.

In the meeting, also attended by Laikipia East Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Muli and KWS officials, the management of Ol Pejeta Conservancy agreed to address all fence leakages around its boundaries to contain wildlife, including monkeys, lions, leopards and hyenas, and minimise their movement into neighbouring communities.

The initial interventions are expected to be completed by Wednesday next week, after which a public meeting involving Laikipia leaders and residents will be convened to review progress and gather further views.

The MPs said they will organise a joint meeting with the management of Lolldaiga and neighbouring ranchers to explore coordinated and sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflict in Mukima, Muramati and Umande areas, to ensure the safety of the residents.

“The meeting focused on finding lasting solutions to wildlife invasions affecting residential and farming areas, as well as agreeing on immediate interventions,” said Kiunjuri.

The Laikipia North MP said the meeting was convened following increased concerns from residents over wildlife invasions, which have affected families, farmers and livelihoods.

“ We as leaders acknowledge the challenges facing the affected communities and emphasised the need for collaborative action to protect residents while promoting sustainable wildlife conservation,” she said.