Government Launches Wildlife Compensation and Conservation Plan in Taita Taveta

The government has rolled out a bold new initiative aimed at tackling the persistent and escalating human-wildlife conflict in Taita Taveta County, one of the country’s most affected regions.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, speaking during a visit to Mwatate, announced sweeping reforms that include faster compensation for victims, new digital systems to prevent fraud and delays, and enhanced community involvement in conservation efforts.“Taita Taveta is not only rich in biodiversity but also bears the brunt of human-wildlife conflict.

This region demands targeted and sustained interventions,” said Miano while addressing local leaders and residents.

Kenya has recorded nearly 60,000 cases of human-wildlife conflict over the past 15 years, with Taita Taveta singled out as a hotspot due to its close proximity to Tsavo East and West National Parks and its strategic position along a conservation corridor shared with Tanzania.

To respond to the crisis, the government has disbursed Ksh 2.8 billion in compensation since 2023—the highest amount ever under the Kenya Kwanza administration. An additional Ksh 1.36 billion in verified claims is pending, with the ministry pledging that payments will continue through a newly introduced digital platform designed to speed up processing and curb fraud.

Already, Ksh 10.1 million has been paid out via the new system.Alongside compensation, the government is prioritizing preventive solutions. These include expanding electric fencing in high-conflict areas, constructing predator-proof livestock enclosures (bomas), and deploying early warning systems.

The strategy also envisions a greater role for communities through the expansion of wildlife conservancies to boost eco-tourism, generate income, and promote sustainable land use. Taita Taveta has also benefited from international support through the UNDP-GEF funded Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Kenya project.

The county has received over Ksh 94 million to support anti-poaching efforts, livelihood improvement programs, and ecosystem-based planning.“As a government, we are committed to ensuring wildlife conservation works for the people. Our goal is to turn conflict into coexistence,” Miano declared.

With increased funding, digital innovation, and community-focused conservation, the ministry hopes to make Taita Taveta a national model for sustainable human-wildlife coexistence—demonstrating how conservation can go hand-in-hand with economic resilience and social harmony.