GOVERNMENT SET TO INITIATE SQUATTERS RESETTLEMENT PLAN AT KIRIMON GAME RESERVE
Updated on: Jun 04, 2024
The County Government of Laikipia and the National Government have resolved to set aside land for the resettlement of documented squatters occupying the Kirimon Game Reserve in Sosian Ward, Laikipia North sub County.
In the plan, the National Youth Service (NYS) will surrender some acreage of MarMar Ranch, which is adjacent to the game reserve, while the county government will hive off some acres of Kirimon Game Reserve.
This follows a directive by H.E. President William Ruto for county government and NYS to amicably resolve the resettlement issue for the affected squatters who have lived within the reserve for many years.
While addressing a public participation meeting with affected persons at Rabal, Sosian ward on Monday H.E. Governor Joshua Irungu, EGH assured the community that resettlement will commence once the management plan and mapping is complete.
"On the government side, we have a taskforce mandated to oversee this process and there is also a committee consisting of elders and area chief that will advocate for the interests of the community. The two working together will realize the actualization of the resettlement plan," Governor Said.
The Governor added that the development of the reserve will create jobs, help in conservation efforts, and generate much needed revenue for the county government.
The resettlement will pave the way for the operationalization of the 43,000-acre game reserve by the county government for tourism and wildlife conservation.
In attendance: Laikipia North MP Hon. Sarah Korere County Secretary Mr. Koinange Wahome, CECM Trade, Tourism, Cooperative, and Enterprise Development Mr. Stephen Kisorio, CECM Water Ms. Leah Njeri, CECM Lands Mr. Ekwam Nabos, Sosian MCA Hon. Lekopien Parletto, Mukogodo West MCA Hon. Nicholas Lempaires, Chief Officer Trade Mr. Samuel Njuki, Chief Officer Water Mr. Abram Lemanyishoe, Chief Officer Education Mr. Gichuki Mwangi ,Samburu County Officers, among other leaders.
In the plan, the National Youth Service (NYS) will surrender some acreage of MarMar Ranch, which is adjacent to the game reserve, while the county government will hive off some acres of Kirimon Game Reserve.
This follows a directive by H.E. President William Ruto for county government and NYS to amicably resolve the resettlement issue for the affected squatters who have lived within the reserve for many years.
While addressing a public participation meeting with affected persons at Rabal, Sosian ward on Monday H.E. Governor Joshua Irungu, EGH assured the community that resettlement will commence once the management plan and mapping is complete.
"On the government side, we have a taskforce mandated to oversee this process and there is also a committee consisting of elders and area chief that will advocate for the interests of the community. The two working together will realize the actualization of the resettlement plan," Governor Said.
The Governor added that the development of the reserve will create jobs, help in conservation efforts, and generate much needed revenue for the county government.
The resettlement will pave the way for the operationalization of the 43,000-acre game reserve by the county government for tourism and wildlife conservation.
In attendance: Laikipia North MP Hon. Sarah Korere County Secretary Mr. Koinange Wahome, CECM Trade, Tourism, Cooperative, and Enterprise Development Mr. Stephen Kisorio, CECM Water Ms. Leah Njeri, CECM Lands Mr. Ekwam Nabos, Sosian MCA Hon. Lekopien Parletto, Mukogodo West MCA Hon. Nicholas Lempaires, Chief Officer Trade Mr. Samuel Njuki, Chief Officer Water Mr. Abram Lemanyishoe, Chief Officer Education Mr. Gichuki Mwangi ,Samburu County Officers, among other leaders.
