By Angela
Kilifi County experienced a wave of renewed hope today, as announced by the State Department for Wildlife Kenya via an X post, with over KSh.60 million disbursed in compensation for human-wildlife conflict (HWC) claims.
This payment directly benefits families impacted between 2014 and 2020, specifically addressing partial claims for human fatalities. The pay-out represents a crucial step toward reinstating dignity, trust, and a sense of justice for the affected households.
The cheque issuance ceremony, held in Marafa, was spearheaded by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano.
She was joined by a distinguished delegation, including Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Board Chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Walter Raria Koipaton, Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga, as well as prominent Kilifi leaders such as Deputy Governor Hon. Florah Mbetsa, Hon. Gertrude Mbeyu, Hon. Owen Baya and County Commissioner Josephat Biwot.
Emphasizing the government’s firm commitment, Hon. Miano asserted, “Compensation is not a favour. It is a constitutional right.”
She further affirmed the government’s resolve to settle all outstanding claims and accelerate the implementation of strategies to prevent future conflicts.
The Cabinet Secretary detailed a comprehensive six-pillar prevention approach, which includes corridor fencing, early warning technology systems, enhanced ranger deployment, and essential community support through initiatives like constructing classrooms and providing water tanks.
Since 2023, the government has made substantial strides in addressing HWC across the nation, disbursing a total of KSh 2.8 billion in compensation, with an additional KSh 1.36 billion currently in process.
To sustain on-the-ground response capabilities within Kilifi, particularly in areas like Ganze, Magarini, and Vitengeni, KWS Director General Prof. Kanga announced the deployment of a dedicated Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU).
Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Koipaton articulated the broader objective, stating, “Our goal is peaceful coexistence, where both people and wildlife thrive.”
Today’s event powerfully illustrates a bold commitment to fostering shared prosperity and enduring harmony between local communities and the natural environment they inhabit.