Farmers in Mikomani village and surrounding areas of Mtito Andei, Makueni County, are counting heavy losses after elephants invaded their farms overnight, destroying food crops and property.
Residents said the elephants are believed to have strayed from Tsavo East National Park, moving through villages and farms and causing extensive damage to crops that many households rely on for both subsistence and income.
The affected farmers accused the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) of failing to respond promptly despite repeated distress calls, allowing the animals to roam freely and prolonging the destruction.
Human-wildlife conflict remains a persistent challenge in Mtito Andei, which borders the wider Tsavo ecosystem. Residents say delayed responses by wildlife rangers often escalate the level of destruction, further undermining livelihoods and threatening local food security.
The farmers are now calling for urgent intervention by KWS, including the deployment of rapid-response teams and the implementation of long-term mitigation measures to curb recurring wildlife invasions.
They have also urged the government to fast-track the completion of fencing along remaining unfenced sections of Tsavo East National Park to prevent elephants and other wildlife from encroaching into farms and settlements.
Makueni County is currently among the 23 counties facing drought, with many areas already experiencing crop failure. Residents say the continued wildlife invasions have worsened the situation, increasing the risk of hunger among households that are already vulnerable.
