Nairobi: Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has announced the government’s commitment to fully compensating victims of human-wildlife conflicts by 2027. Speaking at Naibor Trading Centre in Laikipia County, he distributed compensation cheques totaling Sh70 million to over 700 affected individuals, emphasizing the government’s intention to clear the longstanding backlog of compensation claims, some of which have been pending for over a decade.

According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Kindiki assured attendees that all outstanding compensations would be addressed before the next elections. He highlighted the government’s efforts, through the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), to fence wildlife sanctuaries to reduce incidents where wild animals encroach into human habitats, leading to conflicts.

Additionally, Prof. Kindiki announced infrastructure upgrades, including the commencement of work to upgrade the Nanyuki-Doldol and Nanyuki-Rumuruti roads to bitumen standards, aimed at improving regional connectivity.

Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano, present at the event, stated that her ministry is working on erecting electric fences around wildlife sanctuaries and enhancing access roads within game parks and reserves to boost tourism.

Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu highlighted the prolonged suffering of locals due to wildlife conflicts, noting that the compensation marks a significant step towards harmonious coexistence between residents and wildlife. Laikipia County ranks second in reported human-wildlife conflict cases, following Taita Taveta.

Beneficiaries of the compensation expressed gratitude for the financial support, which varied based on the extent of injury or damage caused by wildlife.