Senator Raphael Chimera has raised serious concerns over lions roaming along Mackinon Road in Kwale County, calling for immediate action to protect residents.
In a statement shared by the Parliament of Kenya on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the nominated senator addressed the Senate Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources, urging them to investigate the issue.
“Sen Raphael Chimera (Nominated) has this afternoon requested a statement from the Senate Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources concerning the alarming reports of lions roaming along Mackinon Road in Kwale County,” the statement read in part.
Senator Chimera expressed concerns about the danger the lions pose to the community, urging the committee to look into how they managed to escape their natural habitat undetected by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers. He raised serious questions about the failure to prevent the animals from straying into residential areas.
Chimera also called for an investigation into any damage caused by the lions and urged authorities to clarify whether those affected have received compensation.
“He urged the committee to investigate how these lions escaped their natural habitat without the knowledge of officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).”
Senator Chimera stressed the importance of community education on wildlife conservation. He proposed initiatives to foster a better understanding of coexistence with wildlife, saying that such programs could help residents report incidents more promptly, reducing the risks of further damage or injury.
“He also underscored general concerns regarding wildlife management and conservation in the area. He urged the committee to establish whether community engagement initiatives focused on conservation education were in place,” the statement read further.
The senator urged the committee to review national strategies for managing human-wildlife conflicts to ensure the safety of both local communities and wildlife.
