Kibwezi: Kibwezi MP Mwengi Mutuse has called for urgent action from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to prevent elephants from invading human settlements and to keep them confined to Tsavo National Park. This appeal comes amid rising concerns over the impact of human-wildlife conflicts on local communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the MP expressed these concerns while addressing attendees at a women empowerment forum held at Kathyaka Market in Kibwezi Sub-county. Mutuse highlighted the persistent challenges posed by human-wildlife conflicts, which have led to the loss of lives and destruction of crops, thereby threatening food security and livelihoods in the region. He emphasized that residents should not have to endure the destruction of their crops by wildlife.
Residents have voiced their frustrations over the recurring damage to their crops and properties, attributing the issue to the inaction of KWS officers. Mutuse, a supporter of the Kenya Kwanza government, stressed the importance of timely intervention by KWS rangers to prevent further harm to life and property.
At the same event, Teresia Mbaika, Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, acknowledged the hardships faced by residents due to the human-wildlife conflict. She promised to engage with relevant authorities to find a viable solution that safeguards both people and wildlife. Mbaika also reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering women as part of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), urging citizens to utilize government funding programs for business growth and community development.
