Plan launched to rid Tsavo park of illegal herders

Those found in the park illegally will be arrested and prosecuted as over 100 regular and Administration Police officers as well Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers move in.PHOTO: COURTESY

Security agencies yesterday launched an operation to rid Tsavo West National Park of illegal herders and poachers.

Those found in the park illegally will be arrested and prosecuted as over 100 regular and Administration Police officers as well Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers move in.

KWS Assistant Director Julius Cheptei, who spoke in Ziwani when he launched the operation, said, "By the end of this week, all livestock illegally grazing in the park will be driven out and illegal herders arrested and prosecuted. We also have two aircraft to ensure that the operation is as effective as possible."

Mr Cheptei said the massive ground and air operation also aimed to arrest illegal grazers, poachers and aliens believed to be engaging in crime as well as ensure the security of wildlife in the Tsavo ecosystem and local ranches where poaching had been reported.

He accused the local communities of using minors to graze their livestock in the park thereby destroying the ecosystem, and warned of severe action against those found guilty.

"We have enough personnel, vehicles and helicopters to drive livestock out of the wildlife habitat. We have also established camps where impounded livestock will be kept," he said.

The official said they would extend the operation to Tsavo East among other parts of the vast ecosystem that cuts across six counties - Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Tana River, Kwale, Kajiado and Makueni.