Laikipia Farmers Association (LFA) has raised concern over increased insecurity in the region.
The Association decried a series of armed attacks on private and community property in the County, saying they were costing investors and citizens billions of shillings.
Ol Maisor Farm chairman and Managing Director Martin Evans, cited a recent incident where armed men drove cattle to Suyian ranch, January 29, before buildings at the property's lodge were set ablaze on two consecutive nights.
He said the incident forced the business to close indefinitely, after millions of shillings were lost.
“There has been an escalation in insecurity in Laikipia that has resulted in loss of life, damage to property, business losses, and harm to wildlife. This is despite our efforts to encourage dialogue between everyone involved, and the efforts of both the county and national governments to keep the rule of law,’’ he said.
In a statement, KFA called for more urgent National and County government intervention to stop the escalating crisis escalating.
"We are private investors running businesses worth four billion shillings annually to the Kenyan economy, and paying 800 million shillings a year in salaries to our 5,000 employees, and we are sure that the government has no intention of seeing us fall into ruin,’’ lamented the Farm’s chairman.
KFA urged the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet to ensure reinforcement of the Kenya Police Service units in the region.
It asked the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko and Chief Justice David Maraga to establish a special prosecution unit and mobile court for speedy legal action against illegal trespassers, persons with illegal weapons, those who maliciously damage property, and those who illegally move livestock.
“The County government of Laikipia, working with neighbouring Counties, (should) urgently convene a high-level stakeholders' dialogue to agree a grazing plan for Laikipia and its surrounding regions, so that the current crisis never happens again,’’ said Evans, Thursday.