Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice and dignity for communities affected by human wildlife conflict, as she spearheaded a major compensation initiative in Kilifi County.
Speaking during a high profile event held in Marafa, CS Miano announced that over KSh 60 million had been disbursed to families who suffered loss of life, injury, or property damage caused by wildlife.
Emphasizing that the compensation is a constitutional entitlement under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013, she said the government is determined to ease the suffering of victims and hold institutions accountable.“This is about more than just money. It is about restoring dignity, healing broken communities, and demonstrating that government stands with its people,” said CS Miano.
Kilifi County alone has recorded more than 1,300 cases of human wildlife conflict since 2021. Under the law, KSh 5 million is awarded for loss of life, KSh 3 million for permanent disability, and additional compensation is provided for crop and livestock damage.
Across the country, the government has paid out more than KSh 2.8 billion in compensation, with another KSh 1.36 billion in pending claims currently being processed.
Accompanying the Cabinet Secretary was Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Erastus Kanga, who echoed the call for both short term support and long term solutions. DG Kanga affirmed that KWS remains committed to streamlining claims and enhancing field response capacity, adding that stronger data systems and early warning networks are already being developed to support affected communities.
Looking to the future, CS Miano unveiled a comprehensive six point plan to prevent further conflict. Key measures include digitization of compensation systems, restoration of wildlife corridors, enhanced community conservation programs, and better education and welfare services for at risk areas.“Compensation is important, but our goal is prevention,” CS Miano emphasized. “We must protect lives, support livelihoods, and build a future where people and wildlife can coexist in peace.”
The event in Kilifi marks a significant step forward in the government’s pledge to address both the human and environmental aspects of conservation.