Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ething’ia/HANDOUTMeru Governor Isaac Mutuma has stirred debate after asking President William Ruto to allow residents of the county and Kenyans to milk elephants and giraffes as a way to benefit from wildlife that often causes damage in local communities.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Fund in Meru County, the governor said Meru residents have long suffered due to recurring conflicts with wild animals from nearby parks.
He argued that it’s time locals saw some tangible benefit from living alongside wildlife.
“Your Excellency, Tunajua kuwa na Meru National Park ni baraka nyingi kutoka kwa Mungu, lakini pia nimekuwa nikifiria ni kwa nini watu wa Meru na Wakenya wengine wanapenda mbuzi, kondoo, ng’ombe nikakuja kujua ni kwa sababu wanapata maziwa kutoka kwa ng’ombe na wanakunywa na tunauza,” he said.
Loosely translates to: "Your Excellency, we know that Meru National Park is a great blessing from God,” Mutuma said.
“But I have been wondering why people love goats, sheep, and cows—it’s because they get milk from them, which they consume and sell.”
He went on to suggest that if elephants and giraffes could be milked, it might help offset the damage caused by these animals and offer residents a new source of income, especially in the face of rising milk prices, which he said have jumped from Sh30 to over Sh50 per litre.
“Nikauliza ni kwa nini hatujatangamana na kufurahia ndovu, zebra, gazelles, na giraffes zetu. Nikakuja kujua ni vile watu wa Meru hawapati maziwa kwa hawa wanyama na pia sheria ya Kenya imewakataza kupata nyama kwa hawa wanyama,” he added.
Loosely translated as: “I asked myself why we haven’t engaged with our elephants, zebras, gazelles, and giraffes,” Mutuma said.
“Then I realised people in Meru don’t get milk from these animals, and the law also doesn’t allow them to consume their meat.”
The governor, however, acknowledged that the Kenyan law does not allow the consumption of wildlife meat but went ahead and made a direct appeal to the president.
“Sasa tunaomba utupe ruhusa tuanze kukamua ndovu na giraffe. Kupata maziwa kwa hawa wanyama ni hii compensation ambayo unatuletea siku ya leo.”
Loosely translated as: “We ask you to give us permission to start milking elephants and giraffes. That milk would be the compensation you’re bringing us today.”
Under current Kenyan law, it is illegal to consume meat or milk from wild animals unless they are specifically licensed for such use.
The consumption of game meat was banned in 2004 due to concerns over the illegal bushmeat trade and the impact on conservation efforts.
Exceptions exist for some farmed animals, such as crocodiles and ostriches, but in general, wild animals are protected. The Kenya Wildlife Service regulates the use and conservation of these animals.
Governor Mutuma’s remarks come at a time when human-wildlife conflict continues to pose serious challenges for communities bordering protected areas.
While his proposal may seem unconventional, it underscores the deep frustration among local residents seeking more meaningful ways to coexist with wildlife.
