Hi-tech project to end rustling launched in Baringo County

The fight against cattle rustling and banditry in Baringo County is to go a notch higher with the prospects of using high-tech methods.

The project being undertaken by Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, involves introducing tailor-made drones.

Senator Gideon said the project is underway after he signed an agreement with an American Company-Merrick to undertake a feasibility study on the technology's prospect. "The agreement we have signed today is to utilise technology in addressing the challenges our society is facing. This is a milestone for us," said Gideon.

He said apart from insecurity, the technology would be used in land demarcation, boundary mapping and wildlife management.

Gideon said the feasibility study would be done from December for three months to determine the best-fit gadget for the county. "It will revolutionise how we respond and monitor issues especially of insecurity and arrest the situation," he said.

The senator said the technology would be able to monitor and relay back attacks on the ground ensuring timely information processing and fast response by security apparatus.

Hundreds killed

The county has been facing security challenges related to cattle rustling, rampant in parts of Tiaty, Baringo North and South.

Currently, the Kenya Defence Forces is involved in a security operation in Kapedo after 21 police officers were killed by bandits on Friday. Hundreds of residents have been killed, thousands displaced and property worth millions of shillings destroyed over the years as the elusive search for a lasting solution continues.

"As a leader from the region, I feel pained that insecurity continues to bedevil the region. I thus came up with the technology initiative in a bid to complement what the Government is already doing in the area," he said.

"Let us own this technology and hopefully the Government will come in as we move forward," said the senator during the launch also attended by MPs William Cheptumo (Baringo North), Grace Kipchoim (Baringo South), some professionals and a Merrick representative.

Mr Cheptumo appreciated the initiative saying technology was the way to go in sorting out challenges faced by the society. The MP also called on leaders and professionals to come up with more ideas that would support the county's growth.

Ms Kipchoim said: "I am now happy someone has heard my cry and the senator is coming in to address the matter."