(Nairobi) – The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of human-wildlife conflict through an improved compensation framework. A conference was recently held with County Wildlife Compensation Committees from Nairobi, Kajiado, and Kiambu to provide guidance on compensation processes.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano acknowledged Kenya’s rich wildlife diversity while addressing the challenges it poses to communities. “The President has made it clear that communities and people are central to the government’s mandate. Compensation for victims is a priority,” she stated during the event on Friday.
Miano announced that the government has initiated structured measures to ensure compensation is delivered promptly and effectively. County committees, established to handle these cases, have been equipped with tools and training to streamline the process.
An advanced digital system is now in place to enhance transparency and reduce fraudulent claims. “This system will improve efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness in handling cases,” Miano noted.
Recent initiatives include the launch of Community Wildlife Conservation Committees (CWCCs) in Western Kenya and three additional committees in Nairobi, Kajiado, and Kiambu. These committees are tasked with verifying claims before disbursement.
The Ministry is also engaging the National Treasury to secure consistent funding for the compensation program. Additionally, strategies to generate sustainable funds are being explored to maintain the scheme’s reliability.
Compensation rates have seen significant improvements, with payouts for incidents such as elephant attacks rising from KSh 30,000 to KSh 5 million. “We are continuously updating policies and consulting with CWCCs to ensure community-driven solutions,” Miano emphasized.
State Department of Tourism Assistant Director Eric Mwenda highlighted underlying causes of human-wildlife conflict, such as climate change, population growth, and competition for resources. Proposed measures to address these issues include expanding wildlife habitats, integrating conservation into land-use planning, and boosting funding for Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS).
Mwenda underscored the importance of protecting both communities and wildlife, ensuring coexistence through prevention, response, and appropriate compensation strategies.
Kenya’s efforts mark a significant step toward addressing the complex relationship between its iconic wildlife and the communities living alongside it.