Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has promised that his ministry will solve human-wildlife conflict cases in Kibwezi, Makueni county once and for all.
Speaking in Mtito Andei on Monday Mutua said that apart from the 50m shillings set aside he will add sh.100m to fence Tsavo West National Park.
The electric fence will prevent wild animals from getting out and pose danger to the locals stating that climate change is among the main causes of human-wildlife conflict.
“The 135-kilometer fence will ensure the animals are kept in the forest and the locals won’t have to live in fear anymore. It has been tragic for the past months, because of climate change the animals move from their habitat in search of food and water thus encountering humans,” said Mutua.
“Our people have been killed others have been injured while some have had their properties and crops destroyed. The 50m which is ready will ensure fencing from Masongaleni to Ngaanzi, Oam ready to sign the documents for the procurement to be done. From Ngiluni to Masongaleni will need sh.100 which I will ensure is allocated as of next month so that the issue is sorted once and for all,” he added.
The former governor disclosed that the government has set aside sh.1.1 billion for compensation to victims of human-wildlife conflict while the files require 5.5 billion shillings.
“We will try and see if we can get sh.2 billion this financial year and compensate some of the people. This issue is not here only but in various areas of the country. We are working to ensure the victims are paid sooner rather than waiting for 10 to 15 years before receiving the money,” noted Mutua.
