Ruto launches Sh950m compensation for human-wildlife conflict victims

President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki yesterday launched Sh950 million in compensation payments for victims of human-wildlife conflict at Meru National Park in Meru County.

President Ruto reiterated the government's commitment to the development of the tourism sector and to addressing the persistent issue of human-wildlife conflict near protected areas.

He noted that by hiring more rangers and wardens and providing Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) with vehicles to help contain animals within sanctuaries, the government aims to significantly reduce such conflicts.

"From 2013 to 2022, Sh2.7 billion was paid out. In just two and a half years, we have disbursed a further Sh2.8 billion. Our goal is to ensure that you do not have to wait up to seven years to receive compensation," he said.

The President stated that his administration is determined to ensure that families who have lost loved ones, suffered injuries, or experienced crop damage due to wildlife encounters are compensated promptly.

"We have digitised the process. We will be paying both past and current claims," he said, adding that reports of deaths, injuries, or crop destruction filed within 90 days should now be compensated within four months.

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"We must modernise in order to reduce human-wildlife conflict," he added, noting that the conflict often arises when communities feel they receive no benefit from coexisting with wildlife.
"They must be compensated promptly to avoid unnecessary losses," he stressed.

President Ruto also revealed that his administration had purchased 100 vehicles for KWS last year and authorised the recruitment of additional personnel to enhance wildlife protection.

Deputy President Kindiki acknowledged a backlog of compensation claims but said that digitising the process had helped clear outstanding arrears.

He shared that he too had been affected by the issue, recounting instances when elephants damaged his maize crops.

"I have also been affected. Elephants sometimes invade my maize farm, but I have not filed a claim because I wanted the public to be compensated first," said the Deputy President.

Residents noted that human-wildlife conflict remains a major challenge in areas bordering Meru National Park. Kindiki also observed that the park had suffered from degradation and poaching, losing much of its former appeal, especially compared to its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s.

He pointed out that a lack of infrastructure and diminished bed occupancy facilities were key challenges facing the park.

Despite this, he noted that Kenya boasts a rich wildlife heritage, including 36,000 elephants, 45,000 buffaloes, 2,500 lions, and 2,200 rhinos.

"Many countries dream of having the kind of wildlife stock that we have," Kindiki said.

Meru Governor Issac Mutuma highlighted Athwana as one of the areas most affected by elephant invasions, adding that residents had not felt any benefit from the wildlife.

"When the elephants destroy our crops, we deserve to be compensated," he said.

Both Ruto and Kindiki pledged to continue supporting efforts to boost agricultural productivity in Meru. The President commended the county for its strong milk production.

"I must congratulate Meru for producing more food than it consumes. You are helping us feed the rest of Kenya," he said, singling out the Kenneth Gitonga-led Meru Dairy Union, which he praised as the country’s largest dairy processor.