About 1,000 residents of the Kaputiei plains in Kajiado may be displaced to create animal pathways in the Nairobi National Park.

But the Government has said that this plan will only go on if the local community approves it and fair compensation is paid to them.

According to the Forest and Wildlife minister Noah Wekesa, the Kitengela-Kaputiei region is vital for the movement of wildlife in and out of the park as per seasonal patterns, like the wildebeest migration in and out of the Maasai Mara.

"This will affect the lives of the residents but the Government is working on how to compensate them at an equal value."

Under the plan, residents will not be allowed to sub-divide, fence their land or engage in activities such as farming in order to allow free flow of wildlife in the open space.

Benefits of plan

"The threats facing the Nairobi National Park can be overcome through the support of the local community living in proximity to the park," said Mr Julius Kipng'etich, the director of Kenya Wildlife Service.

On Tuesday, Kaputiei residents were informed of the benefits of the plan.

The initial phase, dubbed 'Kitengela-Kaputiei Conservation Programme', is being funded by the United States of America to the tune of Sh96 million under the African Wildlife Foundation.

Mr Wekesa disclosed that a Bill on compensation to affected communities is set to be tabled in Parliament.

The proposal was, however, opposed by leaders of the community.

"It is not something easy. Where are you going to take the people?" asked Mr Katoo ole Metito, the MP of Kajiado South.