In the quiet village of Kathaana, a growing crisis is gripping local farmers as hyena attacks on their livestock continue to escalate. Desperation has driven these farmers to call upon the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for immediate intervention before their livelihoods are further decimated.
For months, the farmers have been grappling with the menace of marauding hyenas that prowl the area at night, preying on their valuable livestock. The attacks have caused significant financial losses, leaving families struggling to make ends meet. Cattle, goats, and even poultry have fallen victim to these cunning predators, leaving behind a trail of grief and economic despair.
Kathaana’s farmers, who depend heavily on their livestock for sustenance and income, find themselves trapped in a grim cycle of loss. In response to these mounting challenges, they are urging the KWS to step in with urgency and implement effective measures to curb the hyena attacks.
Local resident Jane mutua shared her heart-wrenching experience, saying, “Our cows are our lifeline. Losing them not only affects our source of food but also our children’s education. We cannot continue to bear this burden alone. We need help.” to the local kamba radio station calle athian Fm.
To address the issue, the Kathaana Farmers’ Association has drafted a petition, appealing to the KWS to deploy rangers to monitor the area during the night, set up deterrent measures, and offer compensation for the losses suffered. The farmers are also seeking support in educating the community about coexisting with wildlife while safeguarding their livestock.
The clock is ticking for the farmers of Kathaana as they grapple with an uncertain future. Their plea to the KWS is a heartfelt cry for assistance in protecting their livelihoods, their families, and the delicate balance between wildlife and human needs. The KWS’s timely response could not only alleviate their suffering but also demonstrate the agency’s commitment to conserving both Kenya’s remarkable wildlife and the lives that depend on it.
by: Sylvanyammy