In a step towards mitigating the issue of human-wildlife conflict, Kenya has launched a pioneering compensation program aimed at providing relief to communities affected by the persistent clash between humans and wildlife. The launch, which is taking place today on April 12th, 2024, in Laikipia, witnessed the presence of Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua , representing the government’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue.
The initiative comes at a time when communities in five counties – Laikipia, Kajiado, Meru, Baringo, and Taita Taveta – have been grappling with the detrimental effects of wildlife intrusion into human settlements. Incidents ranging from crop destruction to livestock loss and even human injuries have caused a great problem to these regions, posing a threat to both livelihoods and security.
President Ruto announced a substantial compensation fund of 960 million shillings, earmarked to alleviate the hardships faced by those directly impacted by the conflict. The compensation, to be distributed through a digital compensation scheme and CSI program, aligns with the provisions laid out in the Wildlife Act of 2013, demonstrating a concerted effort to uphold legal frameworks in addressing environmental challenges.
One of the key strategies to mitigate conflict involves the erection of fences to delineate wildlife habitats from human settlements. The fencing initiative aims to prevent wildlife intrusion and reduce instances of crop damage, livestock casualties, and human injuries, thereby enhancing community safety and well-being. Notably, over 100 kilometers of fencing have already been completed in Laikipia, with plans underway to extend coverage to additional conflict-prone areas.
Laikipia Governor, Joshua Irungu , affirming the commitment to transparent and equitable compensation, emphasized that only genuinely affected individuals would receive financial assistance. Strict assessments will be conducted to verify claims, ensuring that compensation reaches those most in need while safeguarding against opportunistic claims seeking to exploit the program for personal gain.
“To facilitate efficient response and resolution of conflict incidents, over 15 dedicated offices have been established nationwide, equipped to address wildlife emergencies promptly.” Confrirms Erastus Kanga the Director General of Kenya Wildlife service. The public can report incidents by dialing *202*290#, ensuring swift intervention and support for affected communities. Data collection efforts by wildlife authorities aim to provide accurate and reliable information for decision-making, fostering accountability and transparency in program implementation.
Acknowledging the severity of the issue, authorities have prioritized the retention of data on human casualties, seeking to prevent further loss of life and injury. Continuous review of relevant legislation, including the Wildlife Act of 2006 and subsequent amendments in 2013, underscores the government’s commitment to adapt policy frameworks to evolving environmental challenges.
According to Erastus Kanga, an estimated 15,000 individuals have been adversely affected by the conflict, showing the urgent need for intervention. Relief efforts will prioritize addressing the diverse needs of affected communities, ranging from compensating for crop damage and livestock loss to providing support for medical expenses incurred due to wildlife-related injuries.
Compensation amounts will vary depending on the severity of the impact, with each complaint eligible to receive between 15,000 to 50,000 shillings, reflecting the individual circumstances faced by each claimant. By targeting assistance based on verified need, the program aims to deliver meaningful relief to those most affected by the conflict, fostering resilience and sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Kenya’s launch of the wildlife compensation program marks an important milestone in addressing the complex challenges posed by human-wildlife conflict. Through robust legislative frameworks, transparent processes, and targeted interventions, the government demonstrates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding both communities and biodiversity, paving the way for a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in Kenya’s diverse landscapes.
By Beldine Anjeri
