Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fencing most game parks and reserves to address human-wildlife conflicts, especially during the ongoing dry season. This announcement comes after three tragic deaths caused by elephant attacks in Narok, Kitui, and Laikipia counties.
Speaking on the incidents, Miano emphasized the importance of creating harmony between humans and wildlife. “We have received three tragic reports of people being killed by elephants. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is on high alert to ensure that these cases don’t occur again. We are putting all effort into ensuring coexistence between humans and wildlife,” said Miano.
Proactive Measures by KWS
In response to the recent attacks, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has dispatched KWS rangers to Kitui to monitor the elephants’ movements closely. For Laikipia, efforts are being made to engage the local community to resolve a longstanding stalemate that has delayed the construction of a perimeter fence.
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Miano further highlighted that the government’s approach to tackling human-wildlife conflicts is multi-faceted. This includes community involvement, enhanced monitoring of wildlife, and expedited construction of fences around affected areas.
Last year, Miano spearheaded an ambitious campaign to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. This effort was bolstered by President William Ruto, who allocated KSh 51 million for compensation to victims during the pass-out ceremony of KWS graduate rangers at Manyani.
Miano reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing affected communities. “The President has made it clear to us as a ministry that communities and the people of Kenya are at the center of the government’s mandate. We are here to compensate the victims,” she stated.
In a significant move, the Ministry has increased compensation rates for elephant attacks from KSh 30,000 to a substantial KSh 5 million per case. This is part of a broader strategy to ensure victims and their families receive meaningful financial relief.
The revised compensation scheme, launched in April 2024 with a budget of KSh 960 million, is designed to address various forms of human-wildlife conflict. This includes compensating families who lose loved ones, providing support to individuals who suffer injuries, and reimbursing losses related to destroyed crops or property.
Miano also revealed plans to secure sustainable funding for the compensation program. “We are coming up with proposals on how to raise funds to ensure that compensation becomes consistent and reliable,” she said.
To ensure long-term solutions, the Ministry is focusing on collaborative efforts involving local communities, government agencies, and conservation partners. The aim is to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife while minimizing the risk of conflict.
The government’s fencing initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving this balance. By preventing wildlife from straying into human settlements, the fences will reduce the likelihood of attacks, property destruction, and other related incidents.
Miano appealed to the public to support these measures, emphasizing that successful implementation requires collective effort. “The safety of our people and the protection of our wildlife heritage depend on all of us working together,” she said.
With the government’s renewed focus on addressing human-wildlife conflict, the future looks promising for affected communities. The combination of increased compensation, enhanced monitoring, and the fencing of game parks underscores the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable solutions.
