Farmers in Kamboo, Kibwezi West, have welcomed relief after three elephants that had been repeatedly straying into farms were safely captured and translocated to Tsavo West National Park’s Intensive Protection Zone.

The operation, carried out by the Kenya Wildlife Service Kenya Wildlife Service in collaboration with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and local communities, aims to reduce recurring human-elephant conflict that has threatened livelihoods in the area.

For residents, the presence of elephants had long been a source of anxiety, with many farmers spending nights guarding their crops.

“For the farmers of Kamboo in Kibwezi West, the sight of elephants emerging from the nearby bush often brought mixed emotions. While they admired these majestic giants, they also feared for their crops, livelihoods and safety,” KWS said.

The elephants were moved to safer grounds within Tsavo, where they are expected to access adequate food, water, and space to roam freely.

KWS said the relocation is part of broader efforts to balance conservation with community needs.

“For the elephants, the move was a return to the vast Tsavo ecosystem where they can roam freely, find food and water, and thrive in a secure environment. For the community, it restored confidence that their concerns are being heard and addressed.”

KWS said the successful translocation demonstrates the importance of collaboration between conservation agencies and local communities in addressing human-wildlife conflict.

The agency added that long-term conservation success depends on ensuring both people and wildlife can thrive alongside each other.

“The successful translocation stands as a powerful reminder that conservation succeeds when both people and wildlife are protected, creating a future where communities prosper and Kenya’s iconic wildlife continues to thrive,” KWS stated.