Horticulture farmers in Laikipia County are voicing their frustrations over persistent elephant invasions that have led to significant crop damage, leaving them facing financial turmoil. The farmers, particularly those in the Kandorobo/Kambi Simba area of Melwa Location in Laikipia West Constituency, have reported a sharp increase in human-wildlife conflicts, despite repeated appeals for measures to control the movement of wild animals living outside protected areas.
Led by David Njoroge, the farmers express their growing concern over the continuing destruction caused by elephants, which have been raiding farms even during the day. This unrelenting encroachment by the animals has left the farmers with mounting losses, with damages running into millions of shillings. The situation has created an environment of fear and frustration, as crops are trampled and destroyed, leaving them unable to meet financial obligations.
Calls to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for help in containing the elephants have largely gone unanswered, with the situation worsening as time passes. The destruction of the electric fence around Kambi Simba only adds to the farmers’ plight, leaving them vulnerable to further elephant invasions. In response, the farmers are urging the KWS to expedite the repair process of the damaged fence surrounding the Rumuruti forest area, which they believe will provide much-needed protection for their farms.
Stephen Toniok, one of the affected farmers, raised concerns about the government’s failure to compensate those whose properties have been ravaged by wildlife. Farmers who have sought compensation from the KWS for damages have yet to see any relief, which has placed many in dire financial straits. Toniok explained that delays in receiving compensation have compounded their problems, preventing them from settling bank loans. Many farmers now face the looming threat of being auctioned due to their inability to pay off debts.
William Kipsos, another local farmer, lamented the lack of action from KWS despite daily complaints. He noted that the number of elephants in the area has grown significantly, overwhelming the limited number of KWS rangers available to manage the situation. Kipsos called for urgent action to translocate some of the elephants to other forest areas, to alleviate the pressure on local farms and restore some stability to the region.
As human-wildlife conflict continues to escalate in Laikipia, the farmers are calling for immediate intervention from the government and KWS to protect their livelihoods and prevent further damage to their farms. The long delays in addressing the issue have left them feeling abandoned and helpless.
