NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has launched a new and transformative compensation model aimed at addressing the long-standing issue of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in the country.
The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, led by Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, unveiled the new approach, which is anchored on transparency, technology, and equity, to ensure that affected communities receive fair and timely compensation for the losses incurred due to wildlife interactions.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on May 7, 2025, CS Miano explained that the new model aims to expedite claims processing through real-time data collection, verification, and direct payments via mobile services, including M-Pesa for claims below Ksh 100,000.
The government has already disbursed Ksh 10 million to victims through the new system, with 804 additional pending claims expected to be processed soon.
“This model will ensure efficiency and dignity for those impacted by human-wildlife conflict,” said Miano. “It’s a step towards rebuilding trust and ensuring fairness in the compensation process, which has historically been slow and marred by inefficiencies.”
The new approach was piloted in six counties, including areas heavily affected by wildlife incursions.
It comes after years of complaints about delays and lack of transparency in the previous manual compensation system.
Joined CS @rebecca_miano at the Ministry’s boardroom as she hosted members of the fourth estate for a breakfast engagement meeting on a very emotive matter that pierces through the hearts of communities who bear the brunt of it; Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) and compensation.
Miano also stressed the importance of local involvement in the claims process, highlighting the role of the newly revived County-level Community Wildlife Compensation Committees (CWCCs).
These committees are designed to ensure that decisions are made by individuals who are familiar with the realities on the ground, which should reduce delays and combat corruption.
The government has committed to making human-wildlife conflict compensation a priority.
Since 2018, Kenya has disbursed over Ksh 4.8 billion, including Ksh 2.8 billion under the current administration, to compensate victims of human-wildlife conflict.
Despite these efforts, there are still over 20,000 pending claims and a backlog of Ksh 1.36 billion, which underscores the need for further action.
“We acknowledge the urgency of sustained action and are committed to addressing the compensation backlog,” Miano added. “However, it is also important to remember that funding for affected parties remains inadequate, and we need additional resources to support both compensation and preventive measures.”
The new compensation model is not just about financial restitution, but also about ensuring the long-term coexistence of wildlife and communities in Kenya.
Miano called for a national awareness campaign to highlight the issue and raise additional funds for compensation and preventive solutions.
The government has announced a national human-wildlife conflict compensation drive, which will continue through May, culminating in a major event in Meru County on May 26, 2025.
“We are calling on the media to join us in this effort by telling the stories of those affected by human-wildlife conflict and advocating for more resources to support these initiatives,” said Miano. “Together, we can ensure a fairer and more effective compensation system that benefits both the wildlife and the communities that coexist with it.”
With human-wildlife conflict affecting communities across Kenya—from the elephants of Taita Taveta to the pastoralists of Laikipia—Miano urged the media and all stakeholders to collaborate and promote the narrative of coexistence rather than conflict.
“Wildlife is part of Kenya’s national heritage and a pillar of our tourism industry, but it’s vital that the benefits of conservation are shared with the communities who live alongside these animals,” Miano concluded.
