PAC Calls For Increased Budget To Settle Backlog Of Pending Bills Resulting From Human Wildlife Conflicts

By PSCU                                                                                                                

The Public Accounts Committee chaired by Nominated MP John Mbadi today examined the Auditor-General’s report on the State Department for Wildlife for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2022.

One of the major concerns raised in the report is the huge backlog of pending bills resulting from human-wildlife conflicts.

These unpaid bills amount to a staggering KSh2.3 billion and are expected to increase to KSh5.7 billion as more claims await verification for compensation.

These claims include losses caused by wildlife such as injuries, fatalities, and property damages.

This even as Principal Secretary of the State Department for Wildlife, Ms. Silvia Museiya Kihoro disclosed that they plan to implement an insurance scheme to address the issue of unpaid victims of human-wildlife conflicts.

However, the committee recognizes that this is not enough. Bura MP Yakub Adow proposed a multi-faceted approach that combines short-term relief measures with long-term sustainable solutions to address the issue.

“As a committee, we urged the government to take swift action to mitigate the suffering and financial strain experienced by those affected,” said Adow

Mathioya MP Dr. Edwin Mugo recommended the immediate allocation of resources to expedite the verification and settlement of pending claims saying it provide much-needed relief to the affected individuals and communities.

Funyula MP Dr. Wilberforce Oundo  advocated for enhanced collaboration between the state department, wildlife conservation organizations, and relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable strategies for mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.

These strategies could include investing in wildlife corridors, implementing effective deterrent measures, and promoting community-based conservation initiatives.

Butere MP Tindi Mwale, who is the vice chairperson of the committee  urged the government to explore innovative funding mechanisms such as public-private partnerships and eco-tourism revenue sharing to support conservation efforts and alleviate the financial burden on affected communities.

Lastly, the committee emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about the consequences of human-wildlife conflicts and the need for proactive conservation measures.