Establish conservancies to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, counties told

Over 60 per cent of wild animals in the country are living freely with humans, wildlife conservationist Jim Nyamu has said.

Nyamu said failure of the animals to be contained has sparked numerous cases of human-wildlife conflict that has left many reeling from heavy losses.

Worse still, Nyamu said monkeys, that have for the last several years been ravaging local farms and destroying foodstuff, are not among the animals that attract compensation once they destroy property.

In Murang’a, farmers have been calling on the government to help control the vervet monkeys that have been destroying their food crops and leaving their farms bare.

They say follow the invasions, they are unable to produce sufficient foods for their families.

Further, incidences of hippos interacting with residents have been numerous, making it impossible for some farmers to farm near rivers.

In September last year, Murang’a county assembly’s deputy speaker Gachui Mungai led over 2,000 residents in signing a petition seeking to compel the government to include vervet monkeys under the list of animals whose destruction can be compensated.

The monkeys, they said, have devastated an aggregated 100 acres of avocados and over 200 acres of mangoes, maize and pineapple farms.

Nyamu said Kenya Wildlife Service can work with stakeholders to reduce the impact of the wildlife on humans. 

Nyamu is on a three-day tour of Murang’a as he walks for 2,900km from Nairobi county to Ethiopia.

He is seeking to create awareness on the issues facing African elephants such as poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflicts.

The conservationist who runs Elephant Neighbors Centre, an NGO that protects elephants, said the trek dubbed Elephant Campaign walk, will take him approximately 90 days.

"This walk is aimed at creating awareness on the importance of wildlife, the benefits they bring and why we need to take care of them. It is also aimed at bringing to light the human-wildlife conflict and sensitising those affected on how they can go about seeking compensation through KWS.”

He urged county governments to consider establishing conservancies to accommodate animals roaming in people’s farms and reduce the human-wildlife conflict while raising revenue.

Nyamu said Murang’a county had plans to establish one years ago but wondered why it never materialised.

"My call is to Governor Irungu Kang’ata to set aside some land where a conservancy can be established and people can visit to see the animals, thus promoting domestic tourism,” he added.

Nyamu said privately run conservancies have worked in Laikipia and Samburu counties, and that similar efforts should be made in areas where human-wildlife conflicts are rife.

“In Kisumu, we have Impala sanctuary right in the middle of the city. Having 60 per cent of the wildlife out of parks and living with humans presents a huge danger to both,” he added.

During the walk, Nyamu will engage in tree planting, hold community meetings and visit schools to create awareness.