Ksh 300M electric fence to address human-wildlife conflict in Laikipia

The erection of a 163km multi-million electric fence in Laikipia has been lauded by residents who have perpetually complained of perennial human-wildlife conflict.

The 7,000 voltage fence, which will cost approximately Ksh 300 million, is funded wildlife stakeholders among them The Space for Giants – who will construct the fence, the British Army Training Unit – Kenya (BATUK), the Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF), Laikipia Nature Conservancy (LNC), Laikipia County Government, and the National Government.

Speaking  during the fete to launch the construction of the fence at Kinamba area in Laikipia West, Cabinet Secretary for Wildlife, Environment and Natural Resources, Prof. Judy Wakhungu said the project is meant to resolve the human-elephant conflict in the Northern part of  Kenya.

“The residents have for decades continued to count huge losses as a result of invasion by wild animals into their farms leaving a trail of destruction to crops and deaths and injuries to both human and livestock,” said Wakhungu.

The CS also called on the residents living close to the fence route to cooperate with the wildlife authorities in management, protection, and preservation of the fence.

On his side, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Space for Giants, Dr. Max Graham commended the partners for their contribution in actualizing the fence project, terming it as one of its kind in East Africa.

His  sentiment were echoed by Laikipia Governor, Joshua Irungu who noted that the fence will also help keep off illegal grazers from the neighbouring Baringo and Samburu Counties who invade other people’s farms with impunity.

The project which is slated to kick off next week,  is set to be completed in 2018 and will traverse from Kamwenje, Matwiku, Ol-Moran, through Sosian, Rumuruti to Mutara areas, where cases of invasion by wild animals are rampant.