The MPs, Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East) and Sarah Korere (Laikipia North), expressed anger over the escalating human-wildlife conflict and the continued destruction of food crops and property.
The leaders met the management of Ol Pejeta Conservancy after residents in parts of Umande Ward complained about troops of monkeys invading their farms and causing extensive crop destruction.
They demanded measures to keep wildlife within the conservancy to protect residents of Kibubung'i, Marura, Njoguini, Sweetwaters and Baraka villages, many of whom have been affected by human-wildlife conflict.
Last month, Kiunjuri met angry residents who recounted their experiences of perennial crop destruction by wildlife, which they said had forced many families to depend on relief food.
The farmers said elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, leopards, hyenas and other animals stray from the world-renowned conservancy into their farms, causing widespread destruction.
MPs demand urgent fence repairs
Kiunjuri and Korere said it was agreed that Ol Pejeta Conservancy should repair all damaged sections of its boundary fence to contain wildlife and minimise its movement into neighbouring communities.
The initial interventions, they said, are expected to be completed by Wednesday next week, after which a public meeting involving Laikipia leaders and residents will be convened to review progress and gather further views.
The MPs said they would organise a joint meeting with the management of Lolldaiga Conservancy and neighbouring ranchers to explore coordinated and sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflict in Mukima, Muramati and Umande areas and ensure residents' safety.
Kiunjuri said conservancies need to take greater responsibility for preventing wildlife from entering neighbouring communities, arguing that the benefits of conservation should also translate into safety for residents.
“The meeting focused on finding lasting solutions to wildlife invasions affecting residential and farming areas, as well as agreeing on immediate interventions,” said Kiunjuri.
The Laikipia North MP said the meeting was convened after residents raised growing concerns about wildlife invasions affecting families, farmers and livelihoods.
“We as leaders acknowledge the challenges facing the affected communities and emphasise the need for collaborative action to protect residents while promoting sustainable wildlife conservation,” Korere said.
Others at the meeting included Laikipia East Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Muli and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers.
Residents fear for their safety
James Kamunya, a resident of Sweetwaters village, said residents were living in fear because of wild animals roaming the area at night.
“We have farmers seeking compensation after their livestock were killed by lions, hyenas and leopards that strayed from the conservancy,” said Kamunya.
He added that parents were also forced to escort their children to school early in the morning for their safety as they crossed Mukuri wa Gathingi in Tigithi Ward.
In Umande, residents neighbouring Lolldaiga Conservancy have complained about increasing numbers of monkeys and leopards straying into farms despite the installation of a solar-powered electric fence.
Umande community leader Isaac Kagunya said monkey invasions had remained a major challenge in Mugumo, Kwa Munyi, Timau Farmers and Muramati villages, forcing residents to hold security meetings.
“The presence of monkeys remains a major threat in the localities as farmers are forced to scare them away once they are spotted,” said Kagunya.
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