Residents of three villages in Lambwe West location in Suba North constituency have expressed concerns over a high number of primates destroying food crops.
The residents said monkeys and baboons have increased in the location and overrun their homes as they look for food.
They have expressed their worries of facing starvation in future should the animals continue to feed on and destroy food crops in the farm.
Some residents said that the primates are getting into the villages in search of food after sneaking from Ruma National Park, adding that some of them go as far as digging out sweet potatoes from the ground.
The affected villages include Kameo-Pundo, Ogando and Kamato Gul.
One of the residents, Joram Odhiambo, said that the primates have continuously invaded homesteads, despite the residents reporting the matter to the Kenya Wild Service offices.
“Many of us will not have adequate harvest because the animals destroy crops. We believe they sneak from Ruma National Park,” Odhiambo said.
They said that some of the animals are wild and attack children in their homes. They also grab food from minors and eat.
“Sometimes our children go hungry because baboons and moneys take away their food. We have some which are daring when they are looking for food,” he said.
Maurine Odhiambo asked the KWS to find a permanent solution to the current human-wildlife conflict in the area.
“The problems we have experienced because of these animals are enormous. Let KWS help quickly,” she said.
Lambwe West chief Daniel Obure said that monkeys and baboons have, for a long time, caused immense destruction in the area.
“Monkeys are the most destructive animals. They jump from one tree to another as they feed on crops. Baboons usually take chickens and young animals like lambs,” Obure said.
Ruma National Park deputy warden George Ombuki said the KWS has been made aware of the destructive animals.
“We are going to respond by taking action. Let residents continue keeping in touch,” Ombuki said.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
