A team comprising officers of Rhino Ark, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the District Administration held a meeting with the local community at Makumbi Sub-Location of Geta Location in Nyandarua South District. This was the first of a planned series of meetings aimed at mobilizing the local communities in the Kipipiri area to support the construction of the final section of the fence, dubbed ‘Kipipiri Extra Section’.

The Kipipiri fence section shall be 55 kms long, completely encircling Mt. Kipipiri, which lies about 4 kms to the west of the main Aberdare range and stands 3,348 metres above sea level. In addition to protecting the forest and water catchment, this section shall provide the link between phases 7 and 8 of the fence and provide a corridor for wildlife to move between Mt. Kipipiri and the main Aberdare range.

Residents of the area turned out in large numbers to discuss the upcoming fence construction and give their views on the matter. The community was unanimous in their support, noting that they stood to gain a great deal from the completion of the fence. The area Forestry Officer, Mr. Gichia, amused the gathering by narrating a recent personal experience of losing an entire crop to elephants that had invaded his farm and noting that wildlife did not distinguish between government officers and other members of the community.

Rhino Ark’s Fence/Community Manager James Githui that noted the community would play a critical role in the project by providing labour for clearing of the fence line.

The community was reassured that the erection of the fence would not deny them access to the forest, as gates would be put up at designated locations along the fence line. The community was informed that the fence construction work is anticipated to begin in early August. They were advised that it was necessary for them to form and register a community fence association comprising three representatives from each sub-location and that the regulations required at least 1 of the 3 representatives be a woman.

The community members were pleased to note that through their registered groups they could access assistance in various community projects by presenting proposals to KWS or KFS.