MERU, Kenya — Residents of Meru County who have long borne the burden of human-wildlife conflict are set to receive relief after the national government released Sh950 million to compensate victims of wildlife-related losses.
The announcement was made during this year’s World Wildlife Day celebrations held at Ndoleli Primary School in Antubetwe Kiongo Ward, Igembe North Constituency.
The event was organised by the Kenya Wildlife Service in collaboration with the Born Free Foundation.
Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma, who officiated the event, assured residents that the compensation exercise would follow strict procedures to guarantee transparency and fairness.
“There is a clear process in reporting and compensation. You will receive your money, but ensure you use it wisely,” Ouma said.
He urged residents to report wildlife incidents truthfully and warned chiefs and agricultural officers against colluding with claimants to inflate compensation claims.
Measures to Reduce Wildlife Conflict
Authorities said several mitigation measures are already underway to reduce the frequent clashes between communities and wildlife, particularly elephants straying from protected areas into farms.
Ouma revealed that about 42 kilometres of electric fencing have been installed around the park to prevent wildlife from crossing into human settlements.
He also urged residents to maintain a safe distance from roaming elephants and encouraged local administrators to assist victims in submitting accurate bank details to facilitate smooth compensation payments.
Antubetwe Kiongo MCA Henry Maore called on KWS to expedite compensation for crop destruction and ensure accountability in employment, compensation, and conservation project implementation.
Maore criticised what he described as the limited hiring of local youth within the wildlife agency and urged authorities to prioritise residents in employment opportunities linked to conservation activities.
Representing Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu, Mugambi Ronald emphasised the importance of timely compensation and stronger collaboration between local communities and conservation agencies.
Conservation and Community Partnerships
The celebrations highlighted the role of communities in conservation, with the day’s theme focusing on medicinal and aromatic plants.
Deputy Managing Director Edward Mburu emphasised the value of medicinal trees in human health and called for their protection for future generations.
Meanwhile, Kenya Forest Service County Warden Wellington Ndaka said Meru County is targeting the planting of 36 million trees as part of the national one-billion-tree campaign.
He noted that 11 million trees are expected to be planted before May this year.
The Born Free Foundation representative underscored the importance of community participation, noting that the organisation works closely with schools and community groups around Meru National Park to promote environmental stewardship.
Calls for Long-Term Solutions
Local leaders and residents also called for more sustainable solutions to reduce wildlife incursions into farms.
Community representative Zakayo Gitonga proposed the construction of a dam within the elephant maternity zone to provide water for wildlife and residents during dry seasons.
He said scarcity of water and food has intensified human-wildlife conflict, forcing elephants to stray into farms in search of resources.
Religious leaders also urged residents to embrace conservation. Rev. Joel Mutuma Muungania said environmental protection is both a civic and moral duty.
“God expects us to take care of animals and trees,” he said.
The event also highlighted the impact of a solar-powered borehole project in the area, though leaders continued to push for more job opportunities for local youth in conservation programmes.
As compensation funds begin to be disbursed, residents say they hope the initiative will ease the burden of wildlife damage while paving the way for a more balanced coexistence between communities and conservation efforts.
