Communities demand speedy payouts, fair compensation in Wildlife Bill 2025

Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano at Continental House, Parliament, Nairobi. February 25, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Residents and conservationists in Trans Nzoia County are urgently calling for legislative reforms to address the increasing human-wildlife conflict and environmental degradation.

They advocate for comprehensive amendments to the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act through the proposed Wildlife Bill 2025, arguing that the current legislation is outdated and inadequate in protecting vulnerable communities living near wildlife habitats.

They describe the Wildlife Bill 2025 as a crucial step toward restoring balance between conservation efforts and community welfare.

During a public forum at the Kitale Museum, stakeholders discussed various amendments to the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, stating that the law has not kept pace with today's environmental and socio-economic realities.

Daniel Simiyu, a resident of Endebess, emphasised the need for fair and timely compensation.

He stated, "We have cases of communities losing crops, property, and even lives, yet compensation is slow and inconsistent. We need a legal framework that reflects our realities."

Reuben Butaki, the chairperson of the Sabaot Council of Elders, called for improved protection measures, including fencing and community-based deterrents such as beehive installations near park boundaries.

"Bees can deter elephants from destroying crops, and the honey provides income for locals. Alternatively, the government must provide direct grants," said Butaki.

Butaki also criticised the current compensation model, advocating for a simplified and efficient process to ensure timely relief for victims of wildlife-related damage.

Laurence Kimutai, a local professional, urged the National Land Commission (NLC) to investigate whether ancestral community lands were incorporated into national parks without fair compensation.

"If there are cases where land was taken, we must assess and review those claims. Communities must either benefit from the parks or receive compensation," stated Kimutai.

He emphasised the importance of aligning the proposed reforms with the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the National Wildlife Policy (2020).

Totopong' Mary, representing the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), highlighted the need for local communities to be prioritized in wildlife-related economic activities.

She proposed streamlining the Wildlife Compensation Tribunal to ensure quicker responses and payments to victims.

"These are the people directly affected. They should receive a higher percentage of the benefits. By doing so, we can reduce poaching, charcoal burning, and park encroachment," Mary stated.

Environmentalist Godwin Ndege echoed this sentiment, stressing that conservation must be inclusive and community-driven to succeed.

"Wildlife cannot thrive in isolation. Empowering communities is the only sustainable way forward," Ndege highlighted.

The bill also introduces a forward-looking agenda for Kenya's conservation sector.

Asai Allan, from the community-based organisation Rural African Matters, emphasised the bill's economic potential.

He advocated for the use of technology in wildlife monitoring and data management to enhance transparency and policy-making.

"This is not just an environmental issue; it's an opportunity to grow our economy," he stated.

The Wildlife Bill 2025 aims to harmonize wildlife laws with the Constitution of Kenya (2010), integrate the National Wildlife Policy (2020) and Wildlife Strategy (2030), and clarify roles between national and county governments.

It also addresses emerging conservation issues such as habitat loss and climate change, and reengineers the wildlife compensation system for faster and fairer outcomes.