Nyahururu: Construction of an electric fence along Marmanet Forest, which stalled mid last year, will resume after residents of villages in the outskirts of Nyahururu town finally endorsed its construction. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident last Sunday, where a sixty-five-year-old man lost his life in an elephant attack.
According to Kenya News Agency, the construction of the 20km fence had previously stalled after some residents opposed it, fearing the loss of their farms to the forest. However, during public participation meetings held on Wednesday in areas where the fence is to be constructed, residents approved the project. The meetings were presided over by Nyahururu sub-county Deputy County Commissioner Bernard Odino, alongside Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) Assistant Director in charge of the Mountain Conservation Area Lucy Muita, and Laikipia KWS Warden Rose Marenya.
Nyandarua KWS Warden Paul Wambugu, who also oversees Nyahururu town, was in attendance. Samson Lobenyo, a resident of Sirale village, expressed support for the fence, urging those who might lose land beyond the forest cutline to seek alternative solutions rather than stalling the project. Lobenyo highlighted the challenge of growing fruits like avocados, as elephants often invade farms seeking the fruits.
Ms. Muita welcomed the residents' endorsement, noting that the fence would help prevent deaths caused by elephants and bolster food security. She emphasized the importance of coexistence with wildlife, as the area lies on an elephant migration corridor between Aberdare and Baringo. She pointed out that 400km of fences have already been constructed in the Mountain Conservation Area, significantly reducing human-wildlife conflicts.
Peter Kariuki Kooro, Laikipia County Forest Conservator, remarked that the fence would not only resolve human-wildlife conflicts but also aid in conserving the neighboring forest. Joseph Kibuku of Universal Trade Limited, the contractor responsible for the fencing, was introduced during the meetings in Ngoru and Uaso Narok sub-locations.
John Andati, the KWS officer in charge of fencing in the Mountain area, announced that Sh16 million has been allocated for the 20km project, expected to be completed within six months. The initiative gained further momentum when Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano directed the holding of public participation meetings on Tuesday to gain residents' approval for the construction of the fence, allowing the project to commence immediately.