Select Kenyans have began receiving compensation amounting to millions from government after either losing their loved ones or farm products to wild animal attacks.
Addressing a regional congregation of women from the African Inland Churches (AIC) in Machakos on Thursday, the county's Senator Agnes Kavindu confirmed that the compensation amounted to Ksh1 million each.
Kavindu noted that those affected between 2014 and 2019 had already received their windfalls, which marks the first instalment of the disbursed amount.
She further confirmed that individuals who were attacked between 2020 and 2023, would soon be compensated on a date yet to be announced.
However, all the victims compensated or those in waiting were attacked majorly by crocodiles or hippos.
“I appreciate the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife for the good work they are doing and for compensating our people who were victims of wildlife attacks from 2014–2019,” Kavindu told the congregation.
In her address, the politician also urged victims yet to be included to the compensation list to apply to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) which will vet and assess their legibility.
The compensation came months after Tourism CS Peninah Malonza promised to kickstart projects aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflicts in the region.
The conflict has been a thorny issue over the past decade believed to originate from the effects of extreme climate change on the environment.
Wild animals are increasingly running out of food within their habitats forcing them to invade people's farms and homesteads.
In May, Maasai warriors killed six lions accused of devouring 11 goats and a dog. In a statement at the time, KWS admitted that a month earlier, four lions were also killed by the warriors after they trespassed into villages.
“The KWS officials engaged the community in an effort to find lasting solutions that will address the conflict while protecting both human lives and wildlife,” read part of the KWS statement.
“KWS is dedicated to safeguarding Kenya's wildlife and ensuring that wildlife continues to be an integral part of Kenya’s heritage."
According to the conservation group Cats for Africa, African lions typically have a lifespan of up to 18 years in the wild.
