Protect Kenya's sanctuaries

The Environment ministry warns that several species of wildlife may become extinct by 2030. This is a concern that merits immediate attention in order to save some of the endangered wild animals like elephants and buffaloes. These two especially, are increasingly being killed for their ivory.

Apart from poachers, growing human populations also threaten the existence of wild animals in their habitats. There is high incidence of human-wildlife conflicts and in the contest, the wild animals lose out. Often, hippos and elephants have been killed for meat when they venture out into nearby farms and destroy crops.

Human encroachment on animal habitats in search of land either for development or farming should be controlled. In Nairobi recently, lions terrorised residents in areas close to the Nairobi National Park, presumably because a road constructed through the park disrupted their routines. Rather than decry the loss of wild animals, the State must come up with policies to protect their natural environment from encroachment.

Stringent measures must be employed to keep poachers out of animal sanctuaries and stiffer penalties meted out to poachers.