Isiolo herders ordered to remove livestock from Buffalo Spring Park

Isiolo Sub-County Deputy Commissioner Julius Maiyo. He said the order to remove herders from the park was meant to prevent conflicts between the pastoralist communities in the park, something that would scare away tourists. PHOTO | VIVIAN JEBET | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Herders had earlier asked to be allowed to take their animals for water and not pasture to the park.
  • Mr Maiyo said the removal of livestock is meant to prevent conflict that might arise between the pastoralist communities at the park.
  • He asked rangers to arrest any herder trespassing into the park.
  • He said herders whose livestock will be found in the park that they will be prosecuted.

Herders in Isiolo have been ordered to immediately remove their livestock from Buffalo Spring Park.

Isiolo Sub-County Deputy Commissioner Julius Maiyo said the order is meant to prevent the livestock from interfering with tourists.

He said the park management had indicated that tourists have already booked to be there from next week until December.

Chiefs and their assistants from West, Ngaremara, Nakuprat and Attan locations have also been instructed to provide names of livestock owners who have invaded the designated area.

Speaking during a meeting yesterday with Somali, Samburu and Turkana herders in Ngaremara Ward, Mr Maiyo asked rangers to arrest any herder trespassing into the park.

WATER, NOT PASTURE

Herders had earlier asked to be allowed to take their animals to the park for water and not pasture .

“We cannot allow livestock to drink water in the park. Herders should look for other alternatives areas for water.

"The park is only meant for wildlife,” said Mr Maiyo .

He said the county government should find possible ways to provide water for the livestock.

Mr Maiyo said the removal of livestock is meant to prevent conflict that might arise between the pastoralist communities in the park thus scaring away tourists.

He said herders whose livestock will be found in the park that they will be prosecuted.