Kenya Wildlife Service has embarked on operation to move about 50 elephants from Mwea National Reserve where they are close to human habitation to the Aberdare National Park.
The project is intended to reduce pressure on the Mwea ecosystem, the human-wildlife conflicts and also bolster elephant population in the Aberdare.
Speaking at the launch, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the growing human population is encroaching on remaining elephant rangelands, exacerbating conflicts.
CS Miano, Governor Mbarire and KWS DG Dr Kanga launching the project.
She emphasised that the translocation will yield long-term benefits by supporting vulnerable elephant populations, enhancing genetic diversity, and safeguarding ecosystems critical to elephants and other species.
Elephant population in Mwea National Reserve has grown from 49 in 1979 to 156 elephants today.
This has strained the ecosystem, with around 50 elephants venturing outside the reserve, leading to property damage and intensifying conflict.
CS Miano flagging off trucks ferrying the elephants.
KWS Director General Dr Erustus Kanga said the goal of relocation is to improve local communities’ socio-economic welfare and ensure the welfare of the remaining elephants in Mwea by reducing resource competition.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire who was present said the county has plans to rebrand Mwea National Reserve which has remained and underexploited wildlife habitat.
