Kibwezi MP Mwengi Mutuse wants the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to make quick interventions to ensure the marauding elephants invading human settlements in the area remain confined to Tsavo National Park to save residents from untold miseries.
Speaking at Kathyaka Market in Kibwezi Sub-county during a women empowerment forum, he decried the persistent problem of human/wildlife conflict, resulting in wanton loss of lives and crop destruction, distressing local food security and livelihoods.
“My people will not continue planting their crops, only for the animals to destroy them,” warned Mutuse.
In the recent past, area residents have raised their concern over the frequent destruction of their crops and properties, accusing KWS officers of failure to take action.
The MP said he was a firm supporter of the Kenya Kwanza government that cares about service delivery; hence, the need for KWS rangers to act promptly to avert further destruction of life and property.
Speaking at the same event, the Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary (PS), Teresia Mbaika, promised to reach out to the relevant authorities to address the issue of human/wildlife conflict, which was impacting negatively on the people.
“I acknowledge the pain you have suffered due to this menace. I commit to engage the relevant government agencies and local leaders to find a practical solution that will protect both people and wildlife,” said Mbaika.
The PS reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering women as catalysts for economic growth under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“I encourage Kenyans to take advantage of the various government funding programme to grow their enterprises and ultimately transform the lives of their families and the larger community,” she said.
By Patrick Nyakundi
