The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has been asked to address the human-wildlife conflicts in Naivasha and surrounding areas.
Speaking in Naivasha during the launch of the Imarisha Water stewardship project, Environment Principal Secretary (PS) Richard Lesiyampe directed KWS to address all concerns raised by Naivasha residents concerning straying of hippos and buffalos.
The PS further asked the wildlife agency to implement policies and procedures that will curb the rising cases of human-wildlife conflict.
“KWS should address human-wildlife conflict issues across the country,” the PS said.
“Such cases need to be addressed urgently to ensure peaceful co-existence between people and wildlife.”
Cases of human-wildlife conflict are on the rise around Lake Nakuru national park and some areas in Naivasha. Residents have reported cases of their animals being killed and crops destroyed by stray wild animals.
Recently, a section of women in Naivasha led protests claiming that their men are spending nights out to keep wildlife away from their farms.
They claimed that the number of men being killed by wild animals has increased.
The residents appealed for quick intervention from the government, failure to which they threatened to hunt down and kill the wild animals.