Deputy President William Ruto on Monday officially launched a Sh200 million fence around the Rumuruti-Marmanet Forest in Laikipia county in a bid to resolve the human-wildlife conflict in the area.
In the past, residents lamented about stray animals destroying their crops and killing their livestock.
Ruto, who spoke at Gatundia Secondary School grounds in Laikipia, said that the project will hand a reprieve to the farmers within the area. The 5O-Kilometer fence is expected to be fully complete in the next months. The contractor has already completed 14 Kilometers of the project.
The second-in-command also said that the project is part of the promises by Jubilee government in 2017. He further said that issues to do with animals interfering with human life will be a thing of the past upon the completion of the fence.
During the tour, Ruto also revealed that plans were underway to compensate families that had lost their livestock and loved ones due to the conflict with animals.
Ruto was accompanied by several leaders including MPs Samuel Kinuthia (Subukia), Patrick Mariro (Laikipia West), Sarah Korere (Laikipia North), John Muragara (Tharaka Nithi), John Munene (Kirinyaga Central) and James Gichuhi (Tetu).
Others present were Antony Kiai (Mukurweini), Catherine Waruguru (Women Rep, Laikipia), Rahab Mukami (Women Rep, Nyeri), John Kinyua (Senator, Laikipia) and Principal Secretary Margaret Mwakima.