Kibwezi: The national government has introduced measures to address the rising human-wildlife conflict in Kibwezi sub-county, particularly incidents involving elephants that damage crops and obstruct children from attending school. Makueni County Commissioner (CC), Duncan Darusi, announced during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kisayani Boys High School that Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) rangers will intensify their patrols to prevent such disruptions in Kiyaoni, Kisayani, and Kathiaka areas in Kikumbulyu South Ward.
According to Kenya News Agency, Darusi emphasized the cooperation between KWS rangers and local residents to ensure timely alerts and the safe return of elephants to their habitats before they cause damage. He affirmed the government’s dedication to preventing wildlife disturbances and highlighted the role of community engagement in providing prompt information to authorities.
Darusi attributed the escalation of human-wildlife conflict to climate change and prolonged drought, which have depleted vegetation cover in the area. He responded to concerns from Kikumbulyu South Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA), Jades Kalunda, and Kisayani Girls High School Principal, Jane Mbaluka, regarding wildlife impacting children’s education and local agriculture.
The CC also assured residents that the government is prepared to supply relief food if the rainy season is delayed, addressing the precarious food situation in the region. He noted that both national and county governments, along with other stakeholders, have implemented measures to mitigate the effects of climate change on the community.
During the event, Darusi addressed the rising number of street children in Kibwezi town, urging parents to fulfill their responsibilities in fostering a stable society. He stressed that parenting is a community, church, and leadership responsibility, not solely a police or administrative duty.
Further, Darusi encouraged parents to involve their children in constructive programs during the long holiday to prevent idleness. The area MCA, Jades Kalunda, also condemned unnamed individuals preying on young girls, urging the government to take decisive action against them. Kalunda emphasized community intolerance towards such behavior and the importance of parental vigilance.
The function was attended by Kibwezi Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Paul Wanyonyi, county and sub-county teams, and Ag. Kibwezi West Sub-County Administrator, Nicolas Mutie, among others.