The government has disbursed Ksh70 million to compensate families affected by human-wildlife conflicts in Laikipia County, just days after the launch of a new initiative over the same.
This is the first county of the six identified hotspot counties, including Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Makueni, Narok and Kwale, where the government is looking to spread the compensation drive.
The announcement was made during a compensation drive in the county, attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano, Principal Secretary for Wildlife Silvia Museiya, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, and Woman Representative Jane Kagiri.
"The government has paid out Ksh70 million in compensation to families affected by human-wildlife conflict in Laikipia County," a statement by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) reads.
"The disbursement was made during a ceremony in Naibor, attended by Deputy President Hon. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Hon. Rebecca Miano, Principal Secretary for Wildlife Silvia Museiya, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, Women Representative Jane Kagiri, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials, and local leaders."
During the ceremony, DP Kindiki expressed the government's commitment to supporting communities impacted by wildlife, stating that efforts are underway to secure additional funding to broaden the compensation programme.
Part of this would be by minimising these conflicts, which he said would be met by ongoing plans to erect fencing around wildlife sanctuaries across the county.
The compensation programme was recently digitised to enhance efficiency, accelerate claims, and reduce fraudulent cases, according to CS Miano.
According to her, the initiative seeks to ensure timely and transparent support for victims of human-wildlife incidents.
"The outreach effort seeks not only to provide financial relief to victims but also to foster dialogue and education around sustainable solutions to ongoing human-wildlife tensions," the statement read.
"The payout marks a significant step in addressing the longstanding challenges faced by communities living near wildlife habitats while reinforcing conservation efforts."
The Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Drive was launched on Wednesday, May 7, with the ministry revealing that Ksh10 million in claims had already been paid and 804 pending claims set to follow soon.
