SIAYA, Kenya — The government has disbursed Sh32 million in compensation to 32 victims of human-wildlife conflict in Siaya and Kisumu counties, covering deaths, injuries and destruction of crops and livestock caused by wild animals.
The compensation was presented to beneficiaries in Usigu Sub-County, with 17 beneficiaries coming from Siaya County and 15 from Kisumu.
State Department for Wildlife Conservation Secretary Dr John Chumo said the payments cover families who lost relatives in wildlife attacks, people injured by wild animals and farmers whose crops or livestock were destroyed.
Chumo said the government is targeting the clearance of the national human-wildlife conflict compensation backlog by the end of 2027.
Government targets Sh4 billion compensation backlog
According to Chumo, the compensation backlog stood at more than Sh4 billion when the current administration assumed office.
He said the government has allocated approximately Sh1 billion annually since 2023 to settle compensation claims.
For the current financial year, the government has increased the allocation to Sh1.4 billion.
The Conservation Secretary asked claimants whose cases remain under review to remain patient as the government processes and settles pending claims depending on the availability of funds.
The latest Sh32 million payout is part of the government’s broader effort to address outstanding claims while reducing the financial burden on communities living alongside wildlife.
Compensation covers deaths, injuries and damaged property
Human-wildlife conflict compensation in the affected counties covers several categories of losses.
These include:
- Deaths resulting from wildlife attacks
- Injuries caused by wild animals
- Destruction of crops
- Loss of livestock
The government, however, is also encouraging communities to prioritise measures that prevent encounters between people and wildlife rather than relying on compensation after incidents occur.
KWS steps up community awareness
Kenya Wildlife Service Assistant Director for Kisumu Hussein Halake said the agency is conducting public awareness campaigns aimed at helping communities reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Halake said compensation should be considered a last resort, after reasonable measures to prevent conflict have failed.
The approach is particularly important in areas where communities regularly interact with wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles and hyenas.
Residents warned against riparian encroachment
Siaya County Warden Sheila Ochieng urged residents to avoid encroaching on riparian areas, warning that settlement and agricultural activities in such zones can increase encounters with wildlife.
She cited the risk of attacks by crocodiles and hippos, as well as crop destruction associated with wildlife activity.
Ochieng said the government is establishing a Kenya Wildlife Service post in Usigu Division to bring wildlife services closer to communities.
