Kwale County leaders have called for urgent government intervention to address escalating human-wildlife conflict, as elephants continue to destroy food crops and threaten livelihoods in affected areas.
Speaking in Kinondo during the official launch of a walking trail at the Chale Mangrove Reserve, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani urged Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Kenya Wildlife to act decisively.
She said elephants have been wreaking havoc in Samburu, Silaloni, Mackinon, and Kilibasi areas in Kinango Sub- County, destroying crops and putting residents at risk of food shortages.
“The elephants are destroying vital crops and food supplies, leaving residents at risk of food shortages. This situation must be addressed urgently,” she said.
Achani called for the relocation of the animals back to protected areas, noting that their continued presence has worsened insecurity and suffering among local communities.
“We are asking the ministry and KWS to relocate these elephants to Tsavo National Park because their presence is worsening insecurity and causing suffering among our people,” she added.
Leaders also underscored the need for stronger collaboration between KWS and local communities to ensure sustainable solutions. They urged the wildlife agency to enhance public participation in designing mitigation strategies.
“We urge KWS to continue engaging communities, listen to their concerns, and incorporate their views in finding lasting solutions to human-wildlife conflict,” said Kwale deputy governor Chirema Kombo.
Meanwhile, the government has intensified efforts to address the crisis using technology, compensation, and coordinated field operations.
Speaking at the Diani Chale Marine Reserve, KWS Senior Assistant Director for the Coastal Region, Elema Hapicha, said the agency is implementing targeted strategies to curb destruction caused by elephants straying from protected areas.
“I am Elema, in charge of the coastal wildlife region from Kiunga in Lamu to Vanga in Kwale. I take this opportunity to welcome you all here at the Diani Chale Marine Reserve,” she said.
Addressing the elephant menace, Hapicha explained that herds migrating from Tsavo National Park have been causing damage in parts of Kilifi and Kwale counties, including Lungalunga, Taru, Samburu, Silaloni, Mackinon, and Kilibasi.
“As a wildlife agency, we are aware that elephants cause extensive destruction. The law provides for compensation in cases of death, injury, crop destruction, livestock losses, and property damage,” she said.
She revealed that KWS, in collaboration with research partners, has adopted advanced tracking systems to monitor problematic elephant herds.
“We are placing GPS collars on matriarchs leading groups that move out of protected areas. At the click of a button, we can tell where a specific elephant is and respond accordingly,” she explained.
Additionally, Hapicha said KWS is using a technological application known as “Range” alongside the Ranger app to enable real-time tracking and rapid response.
“For the past one week, we have been running a full-scale operation involving aerial support and ground teams to push elephants back to Tsavo National Park,” she added.
Leaders noted that while compensation and technology are critical, community participation remains key to reducing wildlife-related damage and fostering coexistence.
By Chari Suche
