Ngong Forest

The electric fence that surrounds the Sanctuary has in the recent past suffered attacks by vandals and thieves especially in sections powered from Hillcrest camp that was vandalized two years ago. Since then, it has been a hide and seek game between the rangers and thieves. The area most affected is along the Southern Bypass that cuts across the forest thus opening access to the forest . The Trust is currently seeking for funds from donors and well wishers to replace and re-energize the vandalized sections.

Part of the fence where wires have been cut and others missing

For several days now we have been patrolling ,laying ambushes along the targeted areas of the fence in the hope of arresting the vandals.We have intensified our day and night patrols,reinforced patrols with Kenya forest service guards, with little gain. We decided to change tactics and approach the local community who are partners in conservation,to assist. we were not sure how they would take our idea of helping us to collect information on any scrap wire business in their areas of residence. This approach has worked wonders!

While on our usual routine day patrol, one local community member informed us that he has witnessed wires being sold to a scrap metal dealer next to his stall but he was not sure where the wires were from.

It was then that we decided to tour Bangua Village, which is a few kilometers from the forest. At around 5.30 PM, we encountered a man with rolled wires put in a sack walking to the scrap metal dealer’s stall, we arrested him and took him to the police station for further questioning , he had also confessed that he is not the only one who has been stealing the fence wires. We hope the police will make use of the information provided by the culprit to break this cartel and arrest all those involved.

One of the fence wire theif who was arrested

Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary is protected through kind donations from friends and well wishers. Kindly join us by donating towards protection of this unique forest reserve.

By Nicholas Akach