Keiyo North residents have petitioned Parliament to intervene over increased attacks by elephants from Rimoi Game Reserve.
In a petition presented to the National Assembly by Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai, the residents claimed there have been delays by Kenya Wildlife Service to respond to distress calls from locals.
The petitioners are drawn from Rimoi Sub-Location, Kiptuilong and Kamogich locations of Tambach Ward; Chegilet and Kabulwo locations and Keu Location in Esmoo Ward.
They said the attacks have resulted in deaths, destruction of crops and properties.
“Most areas of Esmoo and Tambach wards and in particular the schools and public institutions bordering the Rimoi Game Reserve remain unfenced hence making it easier for the wild animals to stray out of the reserve,” the petition said.
The residents added that despite numerous cases of human-wildlife conflict having been reported to relevant authorities, victims are yet to be compensated.
The petitioners asked MPs to intervene and cause KWS and other government agencies to expeditiously erect perimeter fences along unfenced areas that have experienced invasions.
“Recommend that the government increases the number of KWS posts or camps in the affected human-wildlife conflict areas for efficient surveillance and prompt response to distress calls from locals,” the petition said.
The residents also asked MPs to recommend that KWS undertakes corporate social responsibility programmes in the areas around the reserve.
They also called for expeditious and timely compensation of victims of human-wildlife conflict.