Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has pledged that the government will fully compensate all victims of human-wildlife conflict by 2027, aiming to resolve a compensation backlog that has left some victims waiting over a decade.
Speaking at Naibor Trading Centre in Laikipia County, where he issued KSh 70 million in compensation to over 700 victims, Kindiki affirmed the government’s resolve to provide long-overdue justice to affected communities.
To prevent further incidents, the Deputy President announced a nationwide plan to fence all wildlife sanctuaries through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), a strategy aimed at keeping wild animals from straying into human settlements.
He also revealed that the Nanyuki–Doldol and Nanyuki–Rumuruti roads will be upgraded to bitumen standards, a move expected to improve regional connectivity and spur economic growth.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, who accompanied the Deputy President, noted that her ministry is enhancing access roads within game parks to support tourism and complement the fencing initiative.
Laikipia Governor, Joshua Irungu, welcomed the compensation efforts, citing the extensive toll human-wildlife conflict has taken on local residents. He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and urged for faster road development.
Laikipia County currently ranks second in human-wildlife conflict cases nationwide, following Taita Taveta. Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the compensation, which varied based on the extent of injuries and property loss, while local leaders called for immediate rehabilitation of the Nanyuki–Doldol road due to its deteriorated condition.
Written By Rodney Mbua
