The Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife, chaired by Maara MP, Hon. Kareke Mbiuki, met with officials from the State Department for Wildlife regarding a Statement requested by Laikipia East MP, Hon. Mwangi Kiunjuri on the regulation of wildlife in private conservancies.

According to Hon. Kiunjuri wildlife intrusions had become a daily ordeal for Laikipia residents.

“Ineffective fencing allows zebras to destroy crops and lions to roam freely, posing severe risks to human life. Despite the heavy presence of the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), locals feel more vulnerable than ever,” he said.

Further, Hon. Kiunjuri questioned whether the benefits are skewed towards the ranchers in Nanyuki at the expense of the local population, arguing that wildlife conservationists unfairly place the blame for conservation failures on the people of Laikipia.

Members noted that the impact of wildlife on local farmers extends beyond immediate physical damage adding that many farmers, who rely on their crops for survival, face severe economic hardships due to crop destruction by wildlife.

Director General, KWS, Dr. Erustus Kanga, acknowledged the need for comprehensive national discussions and legal amendments. He proposed the review of the laws on compensation and benefit sharing to ensure equitable distribution of tourism revenue and proper recognition of conservancies' contributions.

"I urge the Committee to conduct fact-finding visits across the country, especially in the areas affected by human-wildlife conflict,” Dr. Kanga said.

Hon. Mbiuki expressed the Committee's dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs saying compensation should not solely be left to the Government solely.

He also said the Committee will visit Laikipia to witness the situation first hand.

"We are not yet satisfied with your responses. As a matter of urgency, we need to sort out this menace once and for all. We will visit the affected areas and come up with a conclusive solution to the human-wildlife conflict," said Hon. Mbiuki.