Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has assured county residents that both the county and the national governments will take urgent measures to address the persistent human-wildlife conflict in the region.
The governor particularly asked residents of Mackinnon, Samburu, Ndavaya, Puma, and parts of Lungalunga to be patient as their grievances were being addressed.
Achani, who was addressing Jamhuri Day congregation at the Mwabila Primary School grounds in Samburu Sub-county, said her administration has already engaged the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to fast-track compensation for farmers whose crops have been destroyed by elephants.
Achani’s push for compensation aligns with broader national efforts to address the large backlog of human-wildlife conflict claims across Kenya, which are primarily managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Ministry of Tourism.
She noted that the county government, working with national authorities, will also initiate relief food distribution to households affected by drought, particularly those whose food stocks were depleted after wildlife invasions.
“Recognizing that the conflict often worsens during drought when animals migrate in search of food and water, the county government will organize a joint initiative with the national government to provide relief food assistance to families affected by the drought, especially those who lost their crops to elephants,” said Achani.
Reflecting on progress made under devolution since 2013, Achani highlighted significant achievements across key sectors. She cited the Elimu Ni Sasa scholarship program, which has supported more than 75,000 learners in secondary schools and universities.
“Elimu Ni Sasa” is a comprehensive, fully funded scholarship and bursary program launched by the Kwale County Government to combat high illiteracy, poverty, early marriage, and teen pregnancy rates in the region by ensuring needy, bright students can access and complete their education.
The governor further enumerated improvements in food and water security through the drilling of over 70 wells, the installation of 600 kilometres of water pipelines, and the construction of 100 boreholes.
Additional milestones include enhanced road infrastructure, growth in the blue economy through the provision of 62 modern boats, construction of nine small harbours, supply of modern fishing gear, and a Sh46 million grant to support technical college students.
Achani added that economic empowerment programmes targeting youth, women, and persons with disabilities have recorded progress, with more than 300 enterprises registered and at least 150 awarded county contracts for works such as building Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers, drilling boreholes, and maintaining town cleanliness.
Kinango Member of Parliament (MP) Gonzi Rai and Kwale County Assembly Speaker Kamanza Mwatela echoed the governor’s remarks, urging enhanced cooperation among leaders to effectively tackle challenges affecting communities at the grassroots level.
MP Rai welcomed the governor’s development agenda, calling for unity among leaders for faster and sustainable development.
“Kwale can only move forward if we work together. As leaders, our responsibility is to find solutions and stand with our people, especially those facing challenges at the grassroots level,” he said.
By Chari Suche
