Gichugu residents count losses as monkeys invade farms near Njukiini Forest

Residents of Kegwa, Kanjuu, Njukiini and neighbouring villages say the animals have become a persistent menace, threatening their livelihoods and disrupting farming activities.

Led by Francis Irungu of Kanjuu village, the residents on Friday said monkeys follow them as they plant, digging up and eating seeds from freshly planted holes.

"When we plant, the monkeys come and eat the seeds from the holes where we have planted them," Irungu said.

Wambui Njogu accused wildlife authorities of failing to address the problem, saying the animals destroy crops before retreating into the forest.

"They destroy our crops and run away to the forest, yet Kenya Wildlife Service does not allow us to take firewood for free. They should deal with their wild animals," she said.

The residents said they have raised concerns over the human-wildlife conflict for years and are now calling on the Ministry of Forestry to fence off the forest to prevent the animals from straying into their farms.

"We are planting and the monkeys come right behind us, taking away the seeds we are planting," said Joseph Njeru.

They also lamented the financial losses incurred from buying seeds and other farm inputs, only for their crops to be destroyed, with no compensation.

Susan Wambui said the growing number of monkeys has made it increasingly difficult to protect their macadamia trees.

"We are having a very hard time chasing them away from the macadamia trees because they are very many," she said.

Mr Ndiga claimed the monkeys had become increasingly aggressive, making it difficult for women to chase them away without assistance from men.

"They don't want to see women, even if they wear trousers. Women cannot chase them unless men intervene. They can even be beaten by them," he said.

Martin Mwangi also raised concerns over the animals' growing numbers and their alleged aggression towards women.

"They are very big and are increasing day by day, and it seems their worst enemy is women," he said.

Mary Njoki said the invasion has disrupted residents' daily routines, with some forced to skip church services on Sundays to guard their farms.

She added that the monkeys have destroyed bananas, macadamia, sugarcane, avocados and other crops, and sometimes throw bananas at residents attempting to chase them away.

The residents are now appealing to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to intervene and establish a lasting solution to the escalating human-wildlife conflict.