Governor Kiraitu Murungi has today lauded KWS for hosting World Elephant Day for the first time. The Governor reiterated his commitment to the vision of Making Meru Great, saying that celebrations of this day are part of that endeavour. Meru County is the only home of elephant maternity in Kenya, at Nkunga Forest. It is also the only Municipality in the country with a forest in its outskirts with large herds of elephants.

This, however, the Governor noted, has come with some heavy burdens and costs to the Meru residents. He pointed out the numerous cases of elephant-human conflicts which have seen some killed, maimed and loss of farm produce. He urged all the government agencies involved to expedite the process of compensations to all victims, in order to ease tensions emanating from these conflicts.

Governor Kiraitu declared that his government is committed to working with KWS, KFS and the Ministry of Tourism in promoting coexistence and a mutually beneficial relationship between the elephants and residents. It is in the interest of all parties that there is harmonious existence between the elephants in Meru and the residents.

Governor Kiraitu promised that his administration is working to introduce new tourism products in the County at Meru National Park, Lake Nkunga and King Muuru. He said that the close working relationship with the tourism sector stakeholders will see these efforts bring about more flow of tourists to the Country and Meru County. This will in return, bring high returns for the benefits of both the country and the residents of Meru. Saying that elephants are too big to be protected by any one single entity, he expressed optimism for improved cooperation among all stakeholders in order to ensure their safety.