The government will drill water pans in national game parks and reserves to provide water for elephants and other animals to end their invasion of human settlements.
Tourism and Wildlife CS Peninah Malonza Sunday said the depressed rainfall has resulted in drying up of small rivers and streams that pass through the parks.
As a result, wildlife do not get enough water, hence stray into people's homesteads.
The CS toured Musovo area in Nguni ward in Mwingi Central, Kitui where human-wildlife conflict has been rampant in recent years.
The residents said they have existed with elephants for more than five years now and their numbers have increased.
Speaking at Musovo Primary school, Malonza said the increased conflict has been caused by minimal rainfall in most areas, especially the parks.
"The major challenge is because there was very little rainfall in all our parks and the animals are moving in search of water and pasture," she said.
She promised to drill water pans in the parks for the wild animals to end the conflict.
"If we do not look for water for them, they will be uncontrollable. We will find them even in our homes," she said.
She said following keen observation, the only way to end the conflict is to drill water pans in the parks and ensure the KWS officers are on high alert to ensure the animals do not stray from the parks.
"As part of CSR, she said the locals who have been troubled by the animals for a long time will also benefit from the water pans.
"We are also sourcing for funds to employ community scouts to work hand in hand with the KWS officers," she said.
More than a month ago while she distributed relief food in Kitui at Katse market, the CS said compensation has accumulated to more than five billion shillings.
The government has committed to pay the first installment of Sh2.6 billion,pending approval by the National Assembly.
"The money will be used to pay the victims in installments to ensure everyone gets something then the rest will be settled later," she said.
Kitui Deputy Governor Wambua Kanani said the county is committed to ending the human-wildlife conflict in areas neighboring parks by increasing the number of rangers to 87.
"They will be trained to help the KWS officers in Mwingi North and South Game Reserves," he said
Kanani said KWS and the county government are working to ensure the two game reserves are operational by attracting tourists to boost the economy.
He also said the cutline in Tana River-Kitui border will be demarcated clearly and six police posts erected along the border to also end banditry along the border.
"We are also planning to have two KWS camps in Kitui South and Mwingi North to ensure the parks are operational," he said.
Area MP, Gideon Mulyungi said the area has seen an invasion of elephants for several years now.
Mulyungi said over 198 farms have been destroyed so far and no farmer has been compensated.
"We want the elephants out of this area as fast as possible," he said.
Area MCA, Jeremiah Mutua urged the CS that as part of CSR, the locals requested the fencing of nearby schools and the drilling of earth dams in the area too.
"The locals are eagerly waiting for compensation as they are now staring at starvation," he added.
The event was also attended by Kitui County Commissioner, Erastus Mbui, a section of other MCAs, among other leaders.
(Edited by V. Graham)