President Ruto Launches Compensation Scheme to Address Human-Wildlife Conflict
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President William Ruto has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving human-wildlife conflict by launching a compensation scheme aimed at compensating victims of such conflicts.
Addressing a gathering at Rumuruti Stadium in Laikipia County, President Ruto disclosed that compensation claims for damages resulting from human-wildlife conflict between 2014 and 2023 amounted to KSh7 billion. Out of this, the government has already disbursed KSh4 billion to affected individuals and families across six counties.
The President pledged that the remaining KSh3 billion will be settled within the next 60 days. “The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife should expedite the verification process and collaborate closely with Members of Parliament to ensure that the outstanding compensation is disbursed to the remaining 7,000 families within the stipulated time,” President Ruto stated.
During the event, President Ruto presented a cheque of Sh 960 million to assist victims of human-wildlife conflict nationwide. He also assured that the compensation process will be streamlined to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, President Ruto emphasized the need for a partnership between the government, private sector, and communities to sustain conservation efforts. “Involving the people in conservation is crucial because having citizens at the core of every plan ensures its sustainability,” he added.
In a bid to further mitigate human-wildlife conflict, President Ruto announced plans to construct 350km-long electric fences around national parks and game reserves in the six affected counties. Laikipia County is set to benefit from a 100km fence along Lariak Forest Wildlife Conservancy, commissioned by the President during the event.
President Ruto directed the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to identify areas requiring fencing, including forests, with a goal to fence these areas within the next five years.
The President concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people of Laikipia during the 2022 election campaigns. The initiatives announced are aimed at reducing and eventually ending human-wildlife conflict in the region, fostering harmony between communities and wildlife.
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