Kenya: Elephants Destroy Tomatoes in Laikipia

Author(s)

By Kings Waweru, The Star

Date Published
A farmer at Kiamariga in Salama ward, Laikipia West subcounty, has complained about the destruction of their crops by wild animals.
 
Washington Ngatia said on Monday night 12 elephants destroyed an acre of tomatoes.
 
He said the elephants from Mutara Agricultural Development Corporation have terrorised the farmers for the last one week.
 
“The animals go into our farms every evening and leave in the morning after destroying the crops,” Ngatia told reporters.
 
He said Kenya Wildlife Service rangers have not taken any action despite being informed about the animals.
 
The rains failed this year and the few crops in our farms are being destroyed by the elephants, Ngatia said.
 
Area MCA Wakahiu Waithaka urged KWS to drive off the animals.
 
County KWS senior warden Richard Chepkwony said he sent warders to drive off the animals, and they will camp in the area for a week.
 
Farmers in Laikipia county have for years complained about destruction of their crops by wild animals.
 
Most of the residents in the semi-arid region, especially in Laikipia East and North, rely on relief food from the government and donor agencies.