KWS blames rising Lake Naivasha waters for buffalo invasions, plans translocation

KWS also cited the closure of wildlife corridors due to upcoming projects and the fencing off of land previously used as pastures around the lakeside town as factors worsening the problem.

The agency said it will begin an exercise to translocate tens of buffaloes that have invaded areas including Mirera, Unity Farm, Mountain View, Karai and Nyamathi over the past year.

The plan was announced after a heated meeting in which affected residents reportedly threatened to take action against the animals following widespread destruction of crops and property.

KWS Senior Assistant Director in charge of Central Rift, Gideon Kibati, said the crisis began about a year ago when the lake’s water levels started rising, forcing animals away from riparian land into nearby farms.

While appealing for patience, Kibati promised compensation for affected residents, saying the government had previously released Sh32 million to compensate families in Nakuru County between 2019 and 2022.

He added that KWS will seek the support of experts and a helicopter to facilitate the translocation exercise.

Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja called for urgent action, saying many families were going hungry due to crop destruction. She said the crisis had contributed to job losses, food shortages and disruptions to learning in affected areas, and warned that residents expected the buffaloes to be relocated within a few weeks.

Residents also told the meeting of losses caused by the animals. Esther Nyambura said her crops had been destroyed and claimed her efforts to seek help from KWS were unsuccessful, while Peter Kimemia claimed a woman had been killed by buffaloes and that affected families were yet to receive compensation.

Farmers’ chairman Peter Chege said the community had sought support from several government agencies without success and warned that the animals posed a risk to school-going children.