The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has compensated communities in Kilifi County a sum of Ksh 60 million for losses incurred as a result of human–wildlife conflict.
The compensation done through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) marks a significant step in restoring trust and dignity among the affected families.
According to Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, the payment covers the 2014 to October 2020 period, clearing part payments for human deaths as the government targets to clear all pending compensation claims.
“While wildlife is a treasured gift to our nation, we must take proactive measures to prevent these adverse interactions. We are working to ensure animals remain within designated habitats, allowing residents to farm and conduct business without fear,” said Miano.
Miano stressed that compensation is a constitutional right under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, not a favour.
She stressed the government’s resolve to translate policy into tangible benefits for citizens, highlighting more than 1,300 human–wildlife conflict cases reported in Kilifi since 2021.
Nationwide, the current administration has already disbursed Ksh 2.8 billion in compensation, with an additional Ksh 1.36 billion under processing, a demonstration of sustained government goodwill to ease the burden on affected communities.
The CS further outlined a six-pillar prevention strategy, including corridor fencing, modern early warning systems, and enhanced ranger presence, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to community upliftment through Corporate Social Investment projects such as building classrooms, distributing water tanks, and supporting local development.
KWS Board Chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Walter Koipaton reinforced the Board’s pledge to guide KWS towards becoming a more community-oriented, solution-driven institution anchored in transparency, partnership, and innovation.
He assured the community that the Board is actively engaged in reviewing and supporting stronger measures to protect both people and wildlife, adding that inclusive, people-led conservation remains central to KWS’s mission.
These interventions, which are anchored in the KWS Strategic Plan 2024–2028 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, reflect a shared vision: a future where communities and wildlife not only coexist, but flourish together in safety, harmony and mutual benefit,” added Koipaton.
Prof. Kanga acknowledged the hardship caused by recurring wildlife incursions in Ganze, Magarini, and Vitengeni, pledging KWS’s unwavering commitment to protect communities while conserving Kenya’s natural heritage.
He confirmed the deployment of a fully equipped Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU) in Kilifi to improve rapid response and reduce fear among residents. These interventions, anchored in the KWS Strategic Plan 2024–2028 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, reflect a shared vision: a future where communities and wildlife not only coexist, but flourish together in safety, harmony, and mutual benefit.
