State pays Sh70 million to wildlife conflict victims in Laikipia

After more than a decade of waiting, 700 families in Laikipia are finally receiving compensation for the pain and losses they have endured as a result of deadly wildlife attacks, injuries, and crop destruction.

The government on Friday disbursed Sh70 million to residents of Naibor in Laikipia North, offering long-awaited relief to victims who had given up hope. Some had waited over 10 years for justice.

The compensation, as announced by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, the amount is part of a Sh950 million package set aside by the government this financial year to settle claims caused by human-wildlife conflict across the country.

“For many years, claims have piled up for years but the President has instructed that they should be cleared,” Kindiki said during the cheque disbursement ceremony.

He was joined by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, and Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere.

The DP said the Sh70 million payout to the 700 beneficiaries in Laikipia marked the beginning of a fresh effort to compensate all victims whose lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by wildlife.

“All the claims for deaths occasioned by wildlife, injuries and loss of crops will be compensated,” Kindiki said.

He assured residents that more funds will be set aside in the coming financial years to ease the burden carried by families affected by wild animal attacks.

“This financial year, we are paying a total of Sh950 million to settle the claims, and we will allocate more funds to ease the pain and loss of all those affected,” Kindiki said.

Since 2023, the government has paid out a record Sh2.8 billion in compensation to victims of human-wildlife conflict.

The money, he said, reflects the government’s commitment to restore the dignity of affected families and bring an end to delays that have lasted for years.

“This government will sort them,” Kindiki said, adding that the Wildlife Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary have been placed under strict orders by the President to make sure all pending claims are settled.

To prevent future losses, the DP announced that the government will fence off all wildlife sanctuaries located near human settlements, a move he said will reduce encounters between animals and communities.

“On top of settling claims, we will fence all the wildlife sanctuaries to lessen human-wildlife conflict,” Kindiki said.

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During the visit, Kindiki also addressed infrastructure and security matters in the region. He confirmed that the government will tarmac the Nanyuki-Doldol highway, a project he said was promised during campaigns and is now being delivered.

“Nanyuki-Doldol highway will be tarmacked as promised during campaigns. This is a critical road project which will be done by this government,” Kindiki said.

On security, the Deputy President said Laikipia is now more peaceful compared to previous years, thanks to a series of security measures implemented since 2022.

“Security in Laikipia has improved significantly because of a raft of measures implemented by the government when we took over in 2022. Most areas are enjoying peace courtesy of the interventions, which will be intensified in other unstable parts,” he said.

To further address ongoing insecurity in banditry-prone areas, Kindiki said more Kenya Police Reservists will be deployed.