Kenya has unveiled a new, technology-driven model to compensate victims of human-wildlife conflict (HWC), marking a major milestone in the country’s commitment to conservation and community justice.
Speaking at a media briefing in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, described the shift as a transformative step towards addressing the decades-old challenge of balancing wildlife conservation with the welfare of communities living near wildlife habitats.
“With the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Drive officially underway today, we begin a nationwide campaign that will culminate in Meru County. This drive is a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to fairness, justice and deep collaboration with counties as we shift the national conversation from conflict to coexistence.”
The CS noted that the new model is a transformative and digitally enabled compensation scheme that was launched in 2024 to replace out-dated manual systems, adding that it aims at enhancing transparency first and foremost.
The model has already been piloted in six counties, with an aim to accelerate claim processing through real-time data collection, verification, and direct payments and where possible via mobile services like M-Pesa for claims under Ksh 100,000.
“So far, Ksh. 10 million has been wired to beneficiaries swiftly and transparently, with 804 pending claims set to follow soon. This system is both about efficiency and the restoration of dignity to those impacted by human-wildlife conflict. It is also about rebuilding trust in a shared conservation vision.” She noted.
Additionally, CS Miano remarked that under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (2013), the Ministry of Tourism has revived County-level Community Wildlife Compensation Committees (CWCCs) to ensure that affected parties are handled in a devolved system that prioritises justice and openness.
“This method is meant to ensure that individuals who understand the realities on the ground better get involved in verifying human-wildlife conflict-related claims locally. The model is designed to reduce delays, combat corruption, and place decision-making power where it belongs with the people and communities that coexist with wildlife.” She remarked.
Since 2018, Kenya has disbursed over Ksh 4.8 billion in HWC compensation, including Ksh 2.8 billion under the current administration. However, more than 20,000 claims remain pending, with a backlog of Ksh 1.36 billion, underscoring the need for sustained action and additional resources.
The CS announced a countrywide compensation drive in various spots in Kenya between now and the climax event slated for the 26th of May in Meru County.
“We urge the media to partner with us in spotlighting these stories, not just to inform the public, but to build momentum for resource mobilisation and preventive solutions,” the CS said.
