Laikipia Human-wildlife conflicts victims receive Sh70m compensation

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addressing Karimon residents in Laikipia North

Over 700 residents of Laikipia County have today received Sh70 million as compensation for the damages caused by wildlife.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the compensation includes claims made over a decade ago but which were never successfully processed.

The funds, he said, will reprieve families whose crops have been destroyed by wildlife, those injured or whose loved ones have lost their lives due to wild animals.

Laikipia is among the top counties experiencing frequent human-wildlife conflicts alongside Taita Taveta, Narok, Lamu and Kajiado.

Elephants are the primary culprits and are blamed for about 79 per cent of all reported cases, including crop destruction and property damage.

“President William Ruto is keen on ensuring those affected are compensated and incidents of human-wildlife conflicts are tamed. Most of the people we’re compensating today have waited for many years for these funds”.

The funds are part of the Sh950 million that Kenyans who have been adversely affected by wildlife will received nationally.

Residents of Karimon in Laikipia North during the commissioning of new divisional headquarters.

The DP further announced that the president has issued firm directives for all wildlife sanctuaries to be fenced to reduce incidences of animals invading farms, and those affected compensated within the shortest time possible.

Kindiki, who spoke while commissioning the new Kirimon Division Headquarters in Laikipia North Constituency, also highlighted the strides made in dismantling banditry and livestock rustling networks.

The efforts have seen calm restored in the North Rift Valley Counties of Laikipia, Samburu, Baringo, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet and Turkana that have for years grappled with banditry that has impoverished them.

“Through investment in modern security equipment, protective hardware for frontline officers and use of technology to enhance surveillance, all the remaining gaps in the fight against banditry will be sealed”.

Kindiki noted that the number of National Police Reservists (NPRs) in the Counties affected by livestock theft will also be scaled up to supplement the work of the National Police Service(NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces in maintaining law and order.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, on her part, said the compensation backlog was huge when the Kenya Kwanza government assumed office in 2022 and that the President has instructed her ministry to ensure the processes are expedited.

“We found so many cases pending, and this is the first time we have been able to pay and have cleared claims made up to 2020”.

She said moving forward, more funds will be allocated for the cause and that all claims are expected to have been cleared by the end of the year.