Nairobi: Farmers in the Kerio Valley have expressed their support for the government's plan to construct a Sh200 million electric fence around the Rimoi Game Reserve. This initiative aims to put an end to the persistent human-wildlife conflict that has severely impacted local communities' financial well-being.

According to Kenya News Agency, community representatives Michael Kipsalkong and Philip Kandie highlighted the extensive damage caused by elephant invasions in the region. The elephants have reportedly destroyed over 1,200 acres of crops, leading affected farmers to demand over Sh2 billion from the national government in compensation claims. Kandie and Kipsalkong criticized the opposition to the fence, emphasizing that those against it have not experienced the devastating losses faced by local farmers.

Kandie shared a personal account of the hardships endured by farmers, illustrating how quickly fortunes can change with the destruction caused by elephants. He noted that the community has long advocated for a physical barrier and expressed relief that the government has listened to their pleas. Kipsalkong further explained that the fence would provide lasting economic benefits, allowing local farmers to focus on fruit and horticultural farming, as well as diversifying into other high-yield cash crops.

The project was officially announced during a joint inspection of the reserve by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Board of Trustees, led by Chairman Joseph Lagat, and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich. The leaders emphasized the fence's importance in addressing the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in agricultural areas.

KWS also announced plans for additional infrastructure improvements, such as expanding the Tabar and Kapkelelwa waterpans within the park. These enhancements aim to ensure a consistent water supply for wildlife, thereby reducing the likelihood of animals straying into human settlements in search of water.