The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has officially launched a national verification and compensation exercise for victims of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC), signaling a major policy shift aimed at accelerating justice for affected communities across Kenya.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, announced that Ksh. 10 million has already been disbursed to beneficiaries under the new digitized compensation scheme.
The initiative is being piloted in six counties—Laikipia, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Garissa, Makueni, and Kajiado—as part of a broader effort to modernize the long-delayed compensation process.
The digital system, introduced in 2024, replaces manual procedures and leverages real-time data collection and mobile payments such as M-Pesa to process claims under Ksh. 100,000. Miano emphasized that the new method is designed to reduce delays, eliminate corruption, and restore dignity to those impacted by HWC.”Human-wildlife conflict remains a pressing concern that affects communities living near conservation areas.
This digital platform is about transparency, equity, and rebuilding trust in conservation,” Miano said.Since the enactment of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 1976—and its updated 2013 version—Kenya has made strides in formalizing compensation. The government has so far paid out Ksh. 4.8 billion in compensation since 2018, including Ksh. 2.8 billion under the current administration.
However, a backlog of 20,000 claims worth Ksh. 1.36 billion remains pending.To further decentralize and expedite the process, the Ministry has revived Community Wildlife Compensation Committees (CWCCs) at the county level, ensuring grassroots verification and community involvement.
Miano acknowledged the resilience of communities living with wildlife and called on the media to support the government’s efforts through storytelling and awareness campaigns.
A nationwide compensation drive is now underway, culminating in a major event in Meru County on May 26, 2025.“We invite journalists and content creators to visit the pilot counties, engage with the beneficiaries, and help us make the case for increased resources and policy reforms,” she urged.
The government is hoping that increased awareness and partnerships will pave the way for more sustainable coexistence between wildlife and human populations, turning conflict into collaboration for Kenya’s biodiversity future.
