The government has released over Ksh60 million in compensation for losses related to human-wildlife conflict in Kilifi County.
According to a statement released by the Kenya Wildlife Service on Wednesday, this compensation will significantly contribute to the restoration of dignity and trust among the impacted families.
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, said that the payment covered from 2014 to October 2020, settling part of the claims for human deaths.
Miano added that the compensation is a constitutional right under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, not a favour, and the government is committed to clearing all pending compensation claims.
Miano mentioned that more than 1,300 human–wildlife conflict cases have been reported in Kilifi since 2021.
She also noted that the current administration has already disbursed Ksh2.8 billion in compensation, with an additional Ksh1.36 billion under processing, in ongoing government efforts to reduce the burden on affected communities.
Apart from compensation, Miano explained the six-pillar strategy to prevent concurrent incidents, such as including corridor fencing, modern early warning systems, and enhanced ranger presence.
CS Miano reaffirms the government’s commitment to community upliftment through Corporate Social Investment projects such as building classrooms, distributing water tanks, and supporting local development.
On May 7, Miano launched the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Drive, announcing that Kenyans will receive compensation through mobile money payments.
She revealed that some Kenyans affected by these conflicts will even receive payments of less than Ksh100,000 straight to their phones.
"Going forward, I, on behalf of the Government, reassure Kenyans of the commitment to address issues of human-wildlife conflict as a matter of priority."
"The government appreciates the patience and sacrifice of the communities that have borne the brunt of human-wildlife conflict over the years," CS Miano stated.
