Kenya commits to action on human-wildlife conflicts through the use of technology

NAIROBI, Nairobi – Amid rising fatalities the government of Kenya on Monday pledged to increase security around national parks and game reserves to minimize conflicts between wildlife, herders, and farmers that have resulted in fatalities.

The Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Najib Balala said the government will invest in modern surveillance technology and additional rangers to minimize contacts between wild animals and communities.

“We have put strong measures in place to minimize human-wildlife conflict that has been on the rise due to encroachment of wildlife corridors through human settlement and climate change,” the Cabinet Secretary added.

Balala made the remarks during a ceremony to honor wildlife rangers who have died in the line of duty.  The ceremony attended by top Kenya policymakers, conservationists, and community leaders.

The Director-General of Kenya Wildlife Service, John Waweru, said the government will leverage on state-of-the-art surveillance infrastructure, retraining of rangers and community engagement to minimize human-wildlife conflicts.

“The conflicts between animals in the wild and communities not only lead to loss of lives but also impact negatively on the economy hence the need to invest in new tools in order to contain this threat,” said Waweru.