Deputy President William Ruto on Monday launched a Ksh200 Million electric fence in Laikipia County.
The DP argued that the 53-kilometre Rumuruti/Marmanet Forest Wildlife Barrier Fence would be a solution to the human-wildlife conflict that had seen locals lose their property to animals in the area.
"Reducing interaction between humans and wildlife will allow productive land use; keep animals in their natural habitat and maintain a healthy ecosystem.
"A lasting solution to the human-wildlife conflict will insulate protected animal, plant species while ensuring the safety of human population and minimising damage to crops," he noted.
DP Ruto added that the fence was among the pledges made by Jubilee during the 2017 elections.
"We are implementing part of the election pledges we made to the people of Laikipia during the election. The citizens here have been disturbed for long, some lives have been lost while crops have been destroyed," he explained.
Also present in the launch was Laikipia Governor Nderitu Muriithi who lauded the government for their action to resolve the human-wildlife conflicts experienced in the region.
"We are grateful to the national government for this great project to the people of Laikipia. This will protect them against attacks from elephants that have terrorised them and their crops for a long time," he stated.
On his part, DP Ruto acknowledged the Laikipia West constituency Education Plan (2018-2022) that envisages 100 percent retention rates, requisite infrastructure for vocational education is a valuable resource tool.
"It will improve student performance and result in a skilled, competent pool of employable youth.
"The plan resonates with the national government's goal of offering quality education for all, sustaining competitiveness and advocating technical training," the DP affirmed.
