Residents of Katani location in Mavoko, Machakos county are among Kenyans facing challenges of drought and its negative impacts.
They are worried a lot due to increased human-wildlife conflict in the area, which they blame on the ongoing drought.
They have decried heightened insecurity caused by the wildlife which has invaded their homes.
“The ravaging drought has made livestock, wildlife and even ourselves miserable hence increasing human-wildlife conflicts. The animals roam freely interacting with livestock and residents in search of food, pasture and water,” Jonah Buruti, a resident said on Monday.
A spot check by the Star confirmed that zebras, gazelles, giraffes, warthogs and ostriches were roaming freely in the area.
“The drought has seriously affected us, it can even take eight months for rain to fall in this area. Wildlife has moved from their hideouts and is now searching for food, pasture and water in our homes,” Buruti said.
He said they had been interacting with the animals for four months now.
The animals are suspected to have moved from the nearby Nairobi National Park.
The residents complained that hyenas had been reported to have attacked livestock and human beings. Tens of people have lately been reported killed by the animals.
“The more people construct houses here, the more the game animals move in. The government should construct dams so that the animals get a drinking spot. As it stands now, wildlife, livestock and residents share the same water points,” another resident said.
They said they were on the receiving end due to the destruction caused by the wild animals to the detriment of their livestock.
Residents said it had proven an uphill task to keep the wild animals at bay as their livelihoods were under attack, their lives in danger.
Anglican church Archbishop Ole Sapit last Thursday urged the government to intervene and rescue Kenyans from the drought that has hit most parts of the country including Machakos.
With the new administration, however, the residents are optimistic that this menace can be addressed and dealt with properly in an effort to realise food security.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti said the county had been enlisted among Arid and Semi-Arid counties in Kenya.
“Machakos wasn’t among ASAL areas, it was removed. But, I fought for its return. I was with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Machakos was included among the counties,” Ndeti said.
“Relief food is coming to Machakos. I have brought lots of food from well-wishers, I will start distributing them from next week. Chiefs and village elders shouldn’t let anyone die of hunger. Come to my office for food and take to those hit hard."
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
