Camel herders have invaded the lowland areas of Taita Taveta County. [File, Standard]
A fresh conflict has erupted between the Taita Taveta County Government, residents and illegal herders from outside over non-payment of cess and diminishing water and pasture following the onset of the drought, which has taken a heavy toll in the region.
The herders have invaded the lowland areas of the county in droves with hundreds of livestock in search of water and pasture, causing conflict with local farmers amid blame games over who has sanctioned their movement into the area.
Senior county government officials said the herders who have been invading the region at night have no livestock movement permits for health proof and destination clearance, which poses a danger to the local herd.
County Chief Officer (CCO) for Agriculture Stephen Mcharo said the county has of late been hit by frequent illegal movement of livestock from outside, especially camel incursions, without complying with the law.
The CCO confirmed that lowland areas of the county are the hardest hit by livestock incursions without movement permits from the veterinary department in the area where the animals are located and a letter of no objection from the intended destination.
Mcharo noted that the influential herders who have been invading the region at night do not meet these requirements and requisite safety standards.
This can lead to faster spread of animal diseases, warned the CCO.