Kingwal Conservancy Key in protecting Rare Swamp Antelope

Kapsabet

Monday September 25, 2023

KNA by Geoffrey Satia

The Kenya Wildlife Service Warden in charge of Nandi and Uasin Gishu Mr. Barret Wechuli has warned that rare Sitatunga antelope found in Kingwal Swamp in Nandi County may become extinct if the community around Kingwal does not embrace conservation measures such as establishment of a conservancy.

Wechuli who was speaking Monday exclusively to KNA in Kapsabet Town said attempts to establish Kingwal Conservancy from the year 2013 have been delayed because the communities around the swamp have not accepted the idea.

He said the Kingwal Conservancy Project if adopted will benefit the community around the swamp by enlightening them on how they can co-exist with the rare swamp antelope and other wild animals who will find their home there.

Wechuli expressed regret that the habitat of Sitatunga is being destroyed by continued farming around the wetlands and also through burning of the bushes where the rare antelope live.

“I understand the land for farming is diminishing but let’s not destroy the home of our only wild animal through uncontrolled farming and deliberate fire outbreaks,” Wechuli said.

He asked locals living close to Kingwal Wetlands from Kesses, Uasin Gishu County to Sang’alo in Nandi County to accept living with the swamp antelope.

The KWS officer revealed that Kingwal Swamp has the highest population of Sitatungu compared to Saiwa Swamp National Park in Trans-Nzoia and Lewa Conservancy in Isiolo.

“I would like our people to know that this rare swamp antelope is only found in three places in Kenya and that is our Kingwal Wetland, Saiwa in Trans-Nzoia and Lewa in Isiolo,” Wechuli said.

He said that Kingwal Conservancy, when established, will tap revenue through local and international tourism and will create jobs for the locals.

Further, the KWS Warden asked residents to report cases where Monkeys commonly found in Nandi destroys their crops so that they can assist in controlling their movement.

He further noted that KWS will not process compensation for reported cases where wild animals destroy crops or animals killing people after 24 hours. “Please inform us of cases of wild animals destroying crops, killing or maiming people within twenty fours to allow our experts to assess the damages,” he said.

He said the compensation will not take place in cases reported after the stated hours.

Wechuli assured that KWS are committed to recommend compensation for wild animals destroying crops or killing people as long as the correct procedure has been adhered to.

According to him, locals should report to village elders and National Government Administrative Officers when wild animals destroy crops or someone is killed. The officers will then contact the KWS office.

Courtesy; KNA