Shifting 50 buffaloes to curb conflict

Cape Buffaloes at Lake Nakuru National Park on July 20, 2014. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH

What you need to know:

  • KWS officer Jacob Olweri said they resolved to move the animals to restore normalcy.
  • The relocation comes in the wake of complaints from residents of Soysambu, Elementaita, Mzee Wanyama, Kongasis and Jogoo.

More than 50 buffaloes will be moved from Kasambara in Gilgil to Soysambu Game Reserve to curb human-wildlife conflict.

The measures are being taken by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the reserve to help prevent further losses of crops.

KWS officer Jacob Olweri said they resolved to move the animals to restore normalcy.

“We have began the transfer and we hope to complete it before the end of the week,” he said.

ELECTRIC FENCE

The relocation comes in the wake of complaints from residents of Soysambu, Elementaita, Mzee Wanyama, Kongasis and Jogoo.

A 10km electric fence erected by the owners of two private conservancies has failed to stop the buffaloes from wreaking havoc.

The removal of the animals follows a threat by Gilgil MP Nderitu Mathenge to the owners of the ranches that stray buffaloes will be killed.

The lawmaker said that private game reserves will, in future, be held liable each time wild animals damage crops and kill livestock.

“The destruction of crops is a threat to food security. Let us not wait for the worst to happen,” Mr Mathenge said in Naivasha.