The government has commissioned the construction of the long-awaited electric fence between Maktau and Ndii and Kamtonga-Bura in Mwatate.
The fence aims to protect residents from frequent attacks by wildlife from the Tsavo National Park.
The 70km Maktau-Ndii and 30km Bura Kamtonga fence will cost Sh150 million.
Environment and Natural Resources PS Margaret Mwakima said the fence would minimise human-elephant conflicts.
“We want to get a lasting solution to the human-wildlife conflict. We want the people bordering the park to live in peace without security threats,” she said.
Mwakima assured residents of the government’s commitment to end destruction caused by wildlife.
“You cannot compare a life lost with money. This is why we have resolved to put up a fence to prevent wildlife attacks,” she said.
Taita Taveta is among the human-wildlife conflict hotspots in the country.
County Compensation and Conservation Committee chairman John Mlamba said the government has so far compensated for seven deaths that occurred between 2014-2016 that resulted from wildlife attacks in Taita Taveta.
