Horticulture farmers in Laikipia County took to the streets to protest the invasion of their farms by elephants on Thursday February 6. The farmers, primarily from the Kandorobo/Kambi Simba area in Melwa Location of Laikipia West Constituency, have been facing significant financial losses due to crop damage caused by these wild animals.
David Njoroge, a representative of the farmers, expressed their frustration, noting that despite repeated calls to control the movement of elephants outside protected areas, the situation has only worsened. The farmers have reported that the elephants roam around their farms even during the day, causing extensive damage.
The situation has been exacerbated by the destruction of the electric fence around Kambi Simba, which was meant to keep the elephants at bay. The farmers are now urging the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to expedite the repair of the damaged fence around Rumuruti forest.
Stephen Toniok, another farmer, highlighted that their attempts to seek compensation from the KWS for the damages have been unsuccessful. He lamented that the government has delayed compensation funds, which has hindered their ability to clear bank loans and has put them at risk of being auctioned.
William Kipsos added that the KWS has been receiving daily complaints from farmers but has not provided any compensation. He also pointed out that the increasing number of elephants in the area has overwhelmed the KWS rangers, making it necessary to translocate the elephants to other forests.
