By KPC Reporter
More than KSh 60 million in compensation has been disbursed to communities in Kilifi County for losses suffered from human–wildlife conflicts.
The funds cover claims dating back to 2014 through October 2020, specifically addressing human fatalities.
The government pledged to resolve all outstanding compensation claims, reaffirming its duty under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, which recognizes such payouts as a constitutional right—not a privilege.
The ceremonial cheque handover held in Marafa was led by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano, flanked by KWS Board Chair Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Walter Raria Koipaton and Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga.
Kilifi Deputy Governor Florah Mbetsa, Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu, and Kilifi North MP Owen Baya also attended, alongside Members of Parliament, MCAs, and Kilifi County Commissioner Josephat Biwot.
Miano noted that Kilifi has recorded over 1,300 human–wildlife conflict cases since 2021 alone.
Nationwide, the government has already released KSh 2.8 billion in compensation, with another KSh 1.36 billion pending—evidence of sustained goodwill to ease the burden on affected communities.
She unveiled a six-pronged prevention strategy aimed at reducing future conflicts, which includes fencing of wildlife corridors, modern early warning systems, and increased ranger deployments.
Others are community-based projects like classroom construction, water tank distribution, and other Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programs.
Gen. (Rtd) Koipaton emphasized the KWS Board’s push for transparency, partnership, and innovation, steering the service toward a community-focused, solution-driven future.
He reaffirmed that inclusive conservation—anchored in grassroots participation—is at the heart of the institution’s vision.
Prof. Kanga acknowledged the pain endured by residents in Ganze, Magarini, and Vitengeni due to persistent wildlife incursions.
In response, KWS has deployed a fully equipped Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU) to Kilifi for faster intervention and enhanced security.
These efforts align with the KWS Strategic Plan 2024–2028 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
This is in line with a shared dream: communities and wildlife thriving together in safety, harmony, and mutual prosperity.
