Tension is rising in parts of Naivasha as residents live in constant fear following repeated invasions by wild animals, particularly buffaloes, which have caused widespread crop destruction and threatened livelihoods.
According to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the major causes of the problem are the rising of water levels in Lake Naivasha. This has led to the displacement of wildlife and forcing them to move to nearby human settlementsand in turn, private farms in search of food.
The crisis has intensified by the blockage of the traditional wildlife migration corridors. Part of the works related to the development of the lake included the construction of fences that have disrupted animal movement, forcing them to migrate into nearby private farms in search of food.
Local leaders have therefore urged KWS to urgently take charge, threatening that the matter could turn into a humanitarian disaster if not handled well.