GEF-8 Global Wildlife Program field visit to Meru County

Under the GEF-8 Global Wildlife Program, we alongside Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association conducted a three-day field engagement in the Meru County project implementation sites i.e Kandebene, Nchoroiboro and Kiengu sub – locations to assess human-wildlife conflict dynamics and identify priority interventions. 

The reconnaissance activity is critical in aligning with the proposed grant interventions that include human wildlife conflict mitigation, establishment of community water sources, enterprises support to improve livelihoods as well as gender inclusion in conservation.

Meeting with Kiengu Deputy County Commissioner DCC Laura Kedode and Assistant County Commissioner ACC Fredrick Mwirigi.

Some of the key findings include:

• Elephants and hyenas identified as primary drivers of HWC, with conflict intensifying during drought periods

• Wildlife corridors and water scarcity are significantly contributing to increased human-wildlife interactions

• Existing mitigation measures (electric fencing, chili deterrents, beehive fencing) are partially effective

• Delayed compensation mechanisms and infrastructure gaps continue to undermine community resilience

  
  

  The exercise identified the following as key priorities in line with the five-year grant;

• Completion and strengthening of electric fencing systems

• Investment in water infrastructure to reduce competition between wildlife and communities

• Deployment of smart technologies (camera traps, automated gates)

• Enhanced community capacity on wildlife behavior and conflict mitigation

We are implementing these interventions in both Laikipia and Meru Counties, while Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association TTWCA is the project implementing partner for the Tsavo landscape.