KWS erects fence to avert human-wildlife conflict in Meru

Meru residents living near the lower Imenti Forest are set to benefit from the construction of a solar fence intended to avert human-wildlife conflict in the area.

The fence, whose construction kicked off at Kithoka in Imenti North Sub County, will be constructed within nine months and is expected to keep elephants and other wild animals from encroaching into human settlements.

Speaking while inaugurating the project, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Assistant Director Simon Gitau noted that the move would help reduce human-wildlife conflict in the area and the killing of elephants.

“Three elephants died in Kithoka area after they were electrocuted. But now people must remove the live wires since the fence will keep the elephants in the forest,” he said.

On his part, John Adati, the officer in charge of the fencing project, revealed that the first phase of the project would cover 20 kilometers at a cost of Sh2.5 Million per kilometer.

Mr Adati further noted that the project faces various challenges among them the shortage of funds.

He revealed that so far they have acquired Sh9 million from the County Development Fund (CDF) kitty to help take forward the project and requested the county government to contribute towards the cause.

Mr Adati further urged the locals who live near the forest and have dispute cases active in court to withdraw them, noting that this was crucial for the project to take off.

The initiative is supported by the locals, Kenya Wildlife Services, Kenya Forest Services, Rhino Ark and other stakeholders.