Residents call for electric fence to curb human-wildlife conflict

The impact of human wildlife conflict was laid bare before the National Environment Tribunal, with residents seeking the installation of a temporary electric fence to end the menace.

Lawyer Kelvin Kubai said it would be prudent if the tribunal allowed the installation of a temporary fence to save farmers in parts of Nginyii village who suffer massive destruction of their crops by wildlife.

In a virtual hearing, Kubai told the tribunal chaired by Emmanuel Mumia, that it was painful for the farmers to watch the destruction of their crops by wildlife during the ongoing planting season.

“It is my prayer to the tribunal to allow the installation of a temporary fence awaiting the judgment of the tribunal. This is the planting season and farmers are having it rough dealing with the wildlife,” said Kubai, representing the residents.

Investors establishing tourist lodges along the Timau river last year filed a petition blocking Lolldaiga Conservancy from erecting an electric fence, arguing that it will block wildlife from accessing the river, and some breeding grounds.

The conservancy in the affidavit stated that it has built dams across the 5,000 acres of land where wildlife can access water.

Mumia adjourned the hearing to April 23, 2025, after one of the petitioners’ witnesses fell sick in Nanyuki and was placed on a sick leave.

He said the matter is of national interest and on April 23, 2025, the hearing will start at 10 am till late in the afternoon.

“On the hearing day, lawyers should come with their witnesses to ensure we expedite the matter to the conclusion,” said Mumia. 

In February, the tribunal allowed installation of the electric fence in undisputed areas and ground cables in the disputed areas.