Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has raised concern over the rising human–wildlife conflict in Samburu, saying the situation is now disrupting learning and putting children’s safety at risk.
Achani said frequent elephant invasions have instilled fear among residents, forcing many parents to keep their children at home to avoid possible attacks.
She said the growing menace has made it difficult for learners to attend school consistently, with some institutions reporting reduced attendance as families grapple with insecurity.
“Going to school has become difficult because of the fear of attacks. Parents are deeply concerned about the safety of their children,” Achani said.
The governor said elephant attacks have led to multiple deaths and widespread crop destruction, compounding the suffering of already vulnerable residents who are struggling to make a living.
Achani urged the national government and the Kenya Wildlife Service to act swiftly and protect communities living near wildlife corridors.
She warned that prolonged inaction would further derail education and expose families to greater danger.
“I urge the KWS to urgently relocate the elephants so that residents can regain their normal lives,” she said.
KWS Coast Region Assistant Director Elena Hapicha acknowledged that elephants have been breaching security barriers from Tsavo National Park, spilling into neighbouring communities.
She said the invasions have affected parts of Kilifi County and several areas in Kwale, including Lunga-Lunga, Samburu and Taru.
Hapicha noted that KWS has rolled out a range of interventions and is working with the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) to conduct studies and develop long-term solutions to the rising human–wildlife conflict.
She added that the agency has begun identifying and tracking the most problematic elephants to better contain their movement patterns.
“We are collaring the elephants that lead others out of the conservation areas so that we can monitor them and respond swiftly whenever they break out,” she said.
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Hapicha said KWS is also using EarthRanger technology to track the animals, adding that over the past week, teams have been monitoring the herds both by air and on the ground while driving them back toward Tsavo.
She further urged residents to promptly report any crop destruction or loss of life to KWS to facilitate compensation claims.
By Shaban Omar
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