Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano has announced that the national government has disbursed Ksh205 million ($1.6 million) for the fencing of Rimoi National Conservancy to promote human-wildlife coexistence and boost conservation.

Speaking during the celebrations of World Wildlife Day held at Rimoi Primary School near the conservancy, Elgeyo Marakwt County, Miano said the disbursement of the funds marked the beginning of a broader plan to secure the area and minimise human-wildlife conflict that has long affected communities living near the park.

“Ksh205 million ($1.6 million) has been disbursed for the fencing of Rimoi National Conservancy as a start and as the project continues, more money will be added to complete it,” she said. “The money disbursed is for the initial phase of fencing and in the subsequent budget, additional funds will be allocated.”

The cabinet secretary observed that the government is shifting its conservation strategy to embrace structured human-wildlife coexistence through infrastructure development in protected areas.

“We are shifting to human-wildlife coexistence by building fences around conservancies to protect both wildlife and communities,” Miano stated. “We will come back soon for the ground-breaking ceremony.”

She further noted that the ministry will continue working closely with county governments to ensure national reserves across the country are fully operational and economically beneficial.

“The ministry will continue working with counties to ensure that national reserves are operationalised. They are a source of revenue and can significantly contribute to local economies,” she said.

Miano revealed that Kenya has 29 national reserves that remain dormant despite their vast potential.

“We have 29 national reserves that are currently dormant. These are hidden gems that can be transformed into sources of income for our people. Through partnerships with various county governments, we will revive them and unlock their economic value,” she added.

The fencing of Rimoi National Conservancy is expected to reduce cases of wildlife straying into farms and settlements, enhance security for wildlife, curb poaching, and attract more tourists to the region.

The World Wildlife Day celebrations brought together conservation stakeholders, local leaders, students, and community members, who underscored the importance of protecting wildlife while ensuring communities benefit from conservation initiatives.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Rennish Okong’o