Gov’t Steps Up Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation With KSh 3.8B
By MKT Correspondent
The Government has intensified its efforts to address human-wildlife conflict by disbursing Kshs 3.8 billion in compensation to affected victims from 2023 to date, signaling a significant investment in safeguarding livelihoods and reinforcing national conservation goals.
A total of KSh64,126,000 was disbursed in Kajiado on Monday.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) joined the State Department for Wildlife at the second public engagement forum on Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) mitigation and compensation, held in Isara, Kajiado County.
The forum was attended by KWS Board Chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Walter Raria Koipaton and KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga, among other key stakeholders.
Prof. Kanga emphasized that HWC is no longer merely a conservation issue but now a national priority, especially in biodiversity-rich regions like Kajiado where human settlements intersect with critical wildlife corridors. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by communities and emphasized the importance of the Amboseli–Kilimanjaro ecosystem in sustaining Kenya’s natural heritage. The key HWC hotspots in the country include Taita Taveta, Kajiado, Narok, Laikipia, Meru, Kwale, Baringo, Kitui and Isiolo.
He further highlighted KWS roles in providing comprehensive interventions such as deploying rapid response teams with tracking technology, promoting locally-led measures like predator-proof bomas, translocations, erection of fences, provision of predator deterrent lights and numerous CSR programs in the community landscapes such as water pans, bursaries for pupils and construction of class rooms and fencing schools.
HWC in Kenya is primarily driven by rapid population growth, climate change, habitat fragmentation, and illegal activities. Its consequences – ranging from loss of crops and livestock to injury and loss of human life – have contributed to rising tensions between communities and conservation stakeholders.
Prof. Kanga reaffirmed KWS’s commitment to its mandate of conserving and protecting Kenya’s wildlife. He urged all stakeholders to work together to co-create lasting, inclusive, and community-driven solutions that will secure both human and wildlife well-being.
It was noted that in the year 2023, the government released KSh908 million to State Department for Wildlife for payment HWC compensation while in 2024 KSh960 million was released and in 2025 KSh1.95 billion has been provided for compensating victims of HWC. This amount totals to KSh3.8 billion being the single largest amount for money released by government to pay HWC compensation.
Therefore, victims of human-wildlife conflict are encouraged to reach out to the State Department for Wildlife to follow up on their compensation claims and receive the support available under the ongoing national program.
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