Elephant

Resolution

Nyandarua Thursday January 15, 2025 by Wanjiru Esther

Residents endorse electric fence in Marmanet Forest to resolve human-wildlife conflict.

Following the recent elephant attack that claimed the life of a resident, villagers on the outskirt’s village of Nyahururu have approved the construction of an electric fence along Marmanet forest.

Mid last year, a section of residents chased away surveyors who were marking route for twenty kilometers fence around Marmanet forest, causing the project to halt. The residents expressed concerns they would lose their farms to the forest.

However, on Wednesday 15, 2025 residents reversed their positions and gave their approval for the project during public participation meetings held in the areas where the fence will be constructed.

The meetings were led by Nyahururu Sub-County DCC Bernard Odino, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) assistant director for Mountain Conservation Area Lucy Muita, Laikipia KWS Warden Rose Marenya and Nyandarua KWS Warden Paul Wambugu who also oversees Nyahururu town was present.

A resident of Sirale village, Samson Lobenyo, emphasized the importance of constructing the fence and suggested that those whose land lies beyond the forest boundary should explore alternative solutions rather than delaying the project.

“We cannot grow fruits like avocado because elephants invade the farms because they like the fruits,” Lobenyo said.

Ms. Muita said the fence will end ongoing deaths caused by elephants and improve food security. She urged residents to accept to live with the animals saying the area falls on elephant migration corridor between Aberdare and Baringo.

“I urge you to accept living with these wild animals, you all know the area falls a migration route between Aberdare and Baringo, “said Muita.

Ms. Muita also added that four hundred kilometers of fence so far done in the Mountain conservation area that covers about five counties has largely tamed human-wildlife conflict and also help in conservation of neighboring forest.

Laikipia county forest conservator Peter Kariuki Kooro also stated that the fence would not only resolve the human-wildlife conflict but also aid in the conservation of the neighboring forest.

During the meetings held in Ngoru and Uaso Narok sub-locations the contractor selected for the project, Joseph Kibuku of Universal Trade Limited, was introduced to the residents.

KWS officer in charge of fencing in the Mountain area, John Andati, confirmed that Sh16 million has been allocated for the 20-kilometer project, which is expected to be completed within six months.

Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano on Tuesday 14, 2025 directed public participation meeting to be held, ensuring that construction of the fence could begin immediately once the residents approve the project. This directive followed the recent elephant attack that led to tragic death of a man on Sunday night prompting protests from residents of Sirale, Maina and Kauka villages. The residents blocked Nyahururu-Rumuruti-Maralal highway for several hours, damaging vehicles and looting trucks carrying bread and drinks.

Photo caption : Residents block Nyahururu-Rumuruti-Maralal highway