The Ministry of Tourism has embarked on an ambitious venture to address human-wildlife conflict, especially in those communities which reside near wildlife sanctuaries.
In this regard, the Tourism and Wildlife CS Alfred Mutua has begun his countrywide tour to assess the level of human-wildlife conflict with a tour of Kibwezi and Mtito-Andei regions.
Through his account on X, the CS noted that in recent years, human-wildlife conflict has become a growing concern in these areas.
“As the human population increased and encroached upon traditional wildlife habitats, conflicts have surged. Crop damage, livestock predation and even occasional attacks on villagers by wildlife are among the issues that require urgent attention,” he said.
In addition, Mutua said that he would visit homesteads to hear from those who have been affected by human-wildlife conflict and discuss issues around compensation and fencing.
He said he would further discuss with local communities mechanisms of reducing human-wildlife conflict.
“I will also address public barazas at Kyusyani in Mtito and Kasayani in Kibwezi.”
In conclusion, the CS said that his visit to Kibwezi and Mtito Andei is a turning point in efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the region as well as advocate for wildlife conservation.
The Government in June launched payment of Ksh 908 million as compensation to family members killed, injured and their property destroyed by wildlife across the country.
The monies released would partly compensate all categories that qualify for compensation as per the Wildlife Management and Conservation Act 2013.
The categories include deaths, injuries, crop destruction, and livestock predation amongst others. This compensation covers claims from 2014 to 2019.
In a move to address old claims, the government has further pledged to clear Ksh 322 million in compensation claims that date as far back as the 90s.
According to KWS data, the government has pending claims worth Sh 5.6 billion from farmers for deaths, and crop and property damage across the 47 counties.
According to data, the allocation for compensating victims of human-wildlife conflict has been increasing from Ksh 400 million in 2021 to Ksh 1.5 billion in 2023.
However, the prevalence and frequency of human-wildlife conflict across the country make such amounts woefully inadequate to cover the reported losses.
