Victims of wildlife in Taita Taveta attacks get some compensation

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, March 3, 2025. [File, Standard]

At least 22 victims of wildlife attacks in Taita Taveta County have received over Sh45.5 million in compensation from the government amid concerns over delays.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, issued the cheques to the beneficiaries some of who have waited for compensation since 2014.

The CS disclosed that over the past 15 years, Kenya has recorded nearly 60,000 cases of human-wildlife conflict, with Taita Taveta emerging as one of the hotspots due to its proximity to Tsavo East and West National Parks and its role as a transboundary conservation corridor with Tanzania.

Ms Miano said to address the crisis, the government has disbursed a record Sh2.8 billion in compensation since 2023-the highest amount ever paid under the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Speaking outside the Mwatate County commissioner's office during the human-wildlife conflict mitigation and compensation public engagement yesterday, the CS reaffirmed the government's commitment towards reviewing the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, which is now under public participation for the benefit of Kenyans, besides clearing the huge backlog within two years.

The CS was accompanied by, among others, her Principal Secretary Silvia Museiya, KWS Director General Professor Erastus Kanga, and MPs Peter Shake (Mwatate) and Abdi Chome (Voi).

According to the PS, the country has over 20,000 pending claims dating back to 2014.

Ms Museiya said those compensated are victims of snake bites, lions, buffalo, and elephant attacks in various parts of the country.

"The over Sh45.5 million funds released today are part of the payment for 2014-2019. The remaining balance will be cleared within two years, as the government and development partners are mobilizing more resources to clear the backlog within two years," declared Miano yesterday.

Acknowledging the pain endured by victims of wildlife-related injuries, deaths, and property damage, the CS said the government has unveiled a robust initiative to tackle rising human-wildlife conflict in Taita Taveta County, a region identified as one of Kenya's hardest hit by the crisis.

"We are determined to ensure faster compensation, improved mitigation strategies, and stronger community involvement in conservation.

"The county is not only rich in biodiversity but also bears the brunt of human-wildlife conflict. This calls for targeted and sustained interventions to safeguard human lives and their properties while conserving Kenya's unique wildlife heritage," Miano told the public.

The CS noted that wildlife conflict remains a pressing challenge in several parts of the country, particularly in regions adjacent to national parks and game reserves.

"It threatens both rural livelihoods and Kenya's globally renowned biodiversity. The government has prioritised human-wildlife conflict response as part of its broader agenda for inclusive conservation and sustainable development," said the CS.

Museiya said the majority of the victims have waited for over 10 years to be compensated.

"In the last two years, the Ministry has received from the Treasury about Sh3 billion for compensation, and those benefiting now are victims between the years 2014 to 2020," she said.

The PS disclosed that the country has over 20,000 pending compensation claims that the government is grappling to clear.

Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo said county governors should be given a major stake in the county compensation committees in their areas of jurisdiction. Currently, county commissioners are chairpersons of the compensation committees.