MP decries rising cases of human-wildlife conflict in Laikipia

Rising cases of human-wildlife conflict in Laikipia County have reached crisis levels with leaders now saying the situation is impeding development.

Addressing journalists in Nyahururu Town, Laikipia Member of Parliament Jane Machira Apollos said farming in the area is no longer profitable as most of the produce ends up being destroyed by elephants.

Apollos added that a promise by the county government to erect a fence between human settlements and wildlife areas is yet to be fulfilled.

She now wants the national government to intervene and ensure proper management of wildlife habitats to avoid contact with human populations.

‘‘The wild animals have left a trail of destruction and residents are living in fear. We are calling on the County Government of Laikipia to move with speed and ensure that the animals are driven back to their habitats,” she said.

According to the MP, areas such as Muruku, Pesi, Gatundia and Mahianyu were experiencing frequent invasion from elephants from Rumuruti and Marmanet Forests.

“There are many ways that the county administration can increase its revenue through improvement of the tourism sector, ’’ she said.

Ms Apollos termed the human wildlife conflict in the area as the biggest challenge undermining development in the area and urged both the national and the county government to act.