Ramat Wildlife Society in Matapato, Kajiado Central, has come together to form conservancies as a means of mitigating human-wildlife conflicts which have been rife in the area.
The wildlife society, inclusive of ten conservancies, also seeks to save lives which have often been lost due to human-wildlife conflict, in addition to creating employment opportunities.
According to the Chairman of Kisavo Conservancy, Johnathan Ole Kelembu, which is one of the newly formed conservancies, they have come up with the idea of forming conservancies as they have seen the benefits that come with it.
“As the Matapato, we have lagged behind in forming conservancies, which has consequently led to the loss of lives by wildlife, crops and water infrastructure being destroyed, and conflicts between us and the Kenya Wildlife Service. After much deliberation, we have realised that forming conservancies is the only way to avert all this and benefit from the wildlife,” said Ole Kelembu.
Kelembu remarked that they have seen the gains made by the communities which formed conservancies, like in Loitoktok and Maasai Mara, and they have decided to follow suit as they have only witnessed losses in regard to wildlife.
The conservancy leaders are urging the national and county governments to help them fully establish the conservancy so that they can benefit from bursaries for their children, in addition to giving them jobs as rangers and conservation scouts, among other benefits that come with conservancies.
Daniel Matamba, the Chairman of Loobetera Conservancy, says that the conservancy is adjacent to Amboseli National Park, but wildlife has been causing them grievous harm instead of benefits.
“As we have now established the conservancy, we urge the government to help us see the gains from wildlife as we plan to take care of the wildlife and our livestock,” said Daniel.
This comes months after a committee to map out wildlife conservation areas in Kajiado County was constituted following a presidential directive in July.
It prohibits the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) from issuing licenses and permits for various projects in wildlife conservation areas, especially in Kajiado, Machakos (Athi-Kapiti corridor), Narok, Laikipia, Taita Taveta, and Baringo areas.
While noting that Kajiado County borders Nairobi, Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Maasai Mara national parks, Kajiado County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands Hamilton Parseina said that the committee has already embarked on mapping out key wildlife conservation areas in the county following the presidential directive.
By Diana Meneto
