Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-04-12 11:37:12
President William Ruto recently made a significant announcement regarding the nationwide fencing of forests and habitats of wildlife in Kenya. This decision was made in response to the increasing human-wildlife conflict that has resulted in the loss of lives among Kenyans. President Ruto emphasized the need to mitigate such conflicts and ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
During the official launch of the human-wildlife conflict mitigation and compensation scheme in Laikipia County, President Ruto directed the relevant ministries to identify areas hosting wild animals, particularly forests, and begin the process of fencing them. He specifically tasked the team led by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua to map out these areas and provide the government with the estimated cost of the fencing exercise. President Ruto emphasized the urgency of this initiative by setting a timeline of five years for the completion of the fencing across the country.
In line with this directive, President Ruto also inaugurated the construction of a 56-kilometre electric fence in Laikipia County to address the rising incidents of human-wildlife conflicts. The construction of this fence is expected to be completed within six months, providing a physical barrier to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife in the region.
Additionally, President Ruto addressed the issue of compensating Kenyans who have been affected by human-wildlife conflicts. He highlighted that there was Ksh3 billion owed to 7,000 individuals in compensation, and he ordered the Ministry of Tourism to expedite the payments within the next 60 days. This gesture aims to provide relief to those affected by wildlife-related incidents and demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting impacted communities.
The President’s announcement comes as a proactive measure to prevent future conflicts and protect both the natural habitats of wildlife and the lives of Kenyan citizens. By prioritizing the fencing of forests and habitats hosting wild animals, President Ruto aims to create a safer environment for both humans and wildlife to coexist peacefully. The implementation of these initiatives reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable conservation practices and the well-being of its citizens.
Overall, President Ruto’s decision to fence off forests and wildlife habitats nationwide signals a step towards addressing the challenges posed by human-wildlife conflicts in Kenya. This comprehensive approach to mitigation and compensation demonstrates a commitment to finding lasting solutions that prioritize the safety and harmony of both humans and wildlife in the country.
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