Senator Ojienda Calls for Action on Wildlife Corridors and Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Kisumu County
These conflicts have put both local communities and wildlife populations at risk, particularly as the demand for land grows.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda. Photo/Parliament of Kenya.
By Robert Assad
Senator (Prof.) Tom Ojienda SChas sought a detailed statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources regarding the establishment and conservation of wildlife corridors in Kisumu County.
The statement, which was requested on Friday, 4th April 2025, highlights the growing threats faced by wildlife in the region, including species such as hippos, impalas, and over 115 bird species in the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary.
In his statement, Senator Ojienda expressed concern about rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion that has increasingly encroached upon key ecological zones.
This development, he pointed out, is posing a serious threat to local wildlife, particularly in areas around Lake Victoria, where human-wildlife conflicts have intensified.
These conflicts have put both local communities and wildlife populations at risk, particularly as the demand for land grows.
The senator further emphasized the importance of preserving wildlife corridors in Kisumu County for the health of Kenya’s tourism industry, which contributes around 10% of the country’s GDP and provides over 1.8 million jobs.
Maintaining these corridors, he noted, is critical for sustaining both the ecological balance and the economic benefits generated by tourism.
In his request, Senator Ojienda urged the Committee to provide a comprehensive overview of both existing and proposed wildlife corridors in the region.
The statement should also address the roles of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and county authorities in managing these corridors, as well as the funding and resources allocated by both national and county governments to ensure their long-term sustainability.
The senator also called for an assessment of the impact of human settlements, infrastructure projects, and agricultural expansion on wildlife movement and ecological balance.
He urged the committee to examine measures in place to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in areas where wildlife corridors intersect with community settlements.
Additionally, Ojienda requested an update on government efforts to secure land for conservation and strategies for engaging local communities in co-management practices to protect wildlife habitats.
Senator Ojienda’s statement comes amid rising concerns about the fragmentation of habitats in Kisumu County, with significant implications for wildlife conservation.
He has requested information on the species most affected by this fragmentation and the specific conservation strategies being implemented to protect them.
In the broader context of security and public safety, the senator also called for a statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations regarding violent clashes in Sondu Town in February 2025, which resulted in fatalities and displacement.
Additionally, Ojienda is pressing for answers from the Roads, Transportation, and Housing Committee regarding a tragic incident involving a Super Metro SACCO conductor, further emphasizing the need for accountability and professionalism in the public transport sector.
Senator Ojienda’s requests reflect a broader commitment to ensuring sustainable development, protecting wildlife, and enhancing public safety in Kisumu County and beyond.
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