Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said that the government has paid at least Sh2.8 billion in compensation as a result of human-wildlife conflict cases.
Speaking in Naibor in Laikipia North Constituency, Kindiki said that while claims have piled up over the years, President William Ruto gave a directive that all pending cases be cleared.
“All the claims for deaths occasioned by wildlife, injuries, and loss of crops will be compensated. This financial year, we are paying a total of Sh950 million to settle the claims and we will allocate more funds in order to ease the pain and loss of all those affected,” he said.
“The Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary in charge of Wildlife are under strict instructions by the President to clear the pending claims and put up the fence before the next elections.”
The DP added that in addition to settling the claims, some of which have been pending over the last 10 years, the state will have all wildlife sanctuaries fenced.
He said this will reduce human-wildlife conflict.
“We will fence all the wildlife sanctuaries to lessen human-wildlife conflict.”
In Laikipia, Kindiki disbursed at least Sh70 million to the beneficiaries.
“We are paying Sh70 million for 700 beneficiaries who have waited for long to receive their claims. Some have waited for over 10 years, but this government will sort them,” he added.
The Deputy President was joined by area leaders and residents, including Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, Laikipia County Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, Laikipia North Member of Parliament Sarah Korere, and a host of MCAs.
Kindiki reiterated the government’s intentions to keep all its promises, including the tarmacking of the Nanyuki-Doldol highway will be tarmacked as promised during campaigns.
He described it as a critical road project.
He also noted that security in Laikipia has improved significantly because of a raft of measures implemented by the government when Kenya Kwanza took over in 2022.
“Most areas are enjoying peace courtesy of the interventions, which will be intensified in other parts that are unstable.”
