The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has initiated a multi-agency investigation to determine how cyanide, a pesticide chemical, entered the food chain and caused the deaths of 15 elephants in Kimana, Kajiado County.
KWS Director General Erustus Kanga revealed that preliminary tests on samples from the deceased elephants confirmed traces of cyanide. The source and circumstances of the poisoning remain unclear, prompting the establishment of a committee to coordinate the inquiry.
"We don't know how this happened," said Kanga during World Rangers Day commemorations. He assigned the Pest Control Products Board CEO to lead a team of experts to trace the cyanide's origin and prevent future incidents.
The affected area, Kimana, has experienced increased agricultural activities, including cultivation of tomatoes, onions, cabbages, and watermelons, supported by water from Mount Kilimanjaro. The use of pesticides in farming is widespread, raising concerns about potential contamination risks to wildlife.
Kanga described the incident as isolated but expressed deep regret over the loss of 15 elephants, highlighting the impact on conservation efforts, local communities, and Kenya’s tourism sector.
He emphasized the challenge of balancing human population growth and land use, noting that Kenya's population has grown from 10 million at independence to over 55 million today, while land size remains unchanged.
"The conversion of important wildlife habitats into farms and settlements is increasingly putting pressure on natural ecosystems," Kanga stated, calling for enhanced cooperation between conservation agencies, farmers, and communities living alongside wildlife.
