Taita Taveta County Governor Andrew Mwadime has issued a stern warning to outside herders illegally bringing livestock, including camels and cattle, into the region and destroying local crops.
Governor Mwadime emphasized that the county government will no longer tolerate livestock entering the region outside the confines of the law.
“These are warnings. We have seen camels and cows coming this way, and many residents have come to my office crying because their crops have been destroyed by these animals. We will take action. I want to make it clear that the people of Taita Taveta are not cowards,” Governor Mwadime stated.
The Governor urged herders who have legitimate grazing agreements with local ranchers to ensure their livestock remain strictly within the boundaries of those private ranches.
To address the issue long-term, Governor Mwadime revealed that his administration is amending local laws to penalize complicit landowners and regulate influxes. The proposed legislation will introduce strict levies on ranchers who host livestock from neighboring counties.
“We are submitting a bill to the County Assembly, and a committee is already reviewing the issue. We want to impose a tax on all animals brought here from outside the county,” he added.
