Farmers in Makueni suffer crop losses as elephants invade villages

Farmers in Mikomani village and the surrounding areas of Mtito Andei in Makueni County are counting heavy losses after elephants invaded their farms overnight, destroying crops and property.

The farmers say the elephants strayed from Tsavo East National Park, causing extensive damage to food crops that many households depend on for both subsistence and income.

Residents have accused the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) of failing to respond in time despite repeated distress calls, allowing the animals to move freely through their farms.

Human-wildlife conflict remains a persistent challenge in Mtito Andei, which borders the Tsavo ecosystem.

Farmers argue that delayed response by wildlife rangers often escalates the level of destruction, further undermining livelihoods and local food security.

They are now calling for urgent intervention by KWS, including the deployment of rapid response teams and long-term mitigation strategies.

The affected farmers are also urging the government to expedite the completion of fencing along the remaining unfenced sections of the park to prevent wildlife from encroaching into farms and settlements.

Makueni County is currently among the 23 counties facing drought, with many areas experiencing crop failure.

The residents say the continued wildlife invasions have worsened the crisis, increasing the risk of hunger among already vulnerable households.