By Betty Luke
President William Ruto has launched the third phase of the human-wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme for the 2024/2025 financial year, releasing Sh950 million to assist victims of human-wildlife conflict across the country.
The funds, released at Meru National Park on Monday, will support families whose loved ones lost their lives, sustained injuries or lost property to human-wildlife conflicts.
President Ruto said the government was committed to ensuring all the affected Kenyans access justice while also streamlining the system to address existing compensation gaps.
“We are streamlining compensation to restore dignity and deliver justice to our people. We are allocating sufficient resources to pay pending claims, deploying technology to eliminate inefficiencies, and operationalising the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund,” President Ruto said.
The fund, a sustainable financing mechanism backed by innovative funding models, will ensure continuity in supporting affected families while preserving Kenya’s biodiversity.
With 36,000 elephants, 41,000 buffaloes, 2,500 lions, and 2,200 rhinos among many other species, Kenya remains one of the most wildlife-rich nations globally.
However, human-wildlife conflict remains a daily reality for many communities bordering parks and conservancies.
The President emphasized the need to balance between conservation and human welfare.
“Kenya is blessed with a sovereign heritage of flora and fauna. But conservation cannot thrive if it undermines the rights and livelihoods of people living closest to wildlife,” Ruto said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the government was keen on delivering justice to victims while reinforcing conservation goals.
“The government is on track to compensate all victims of human-wildlife conflict. In the last two years, we have reduced an 11-year backlog and paid Sh2.8 billion for incidents dating back over a decade,” Kindiki said.
He added that the remaining Sh1.3 billion in claims will be cleared progressively, signaling the government’s resolve to address long-standing grievances.
Kindiki said the programme also aims to prevent future incidents by investing in fencing, surveillance, and public education, especially in high-risk counties such as Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, and Laikipia.
The launch comes at a time when human-wildlife conflict has escalated due to changing weather patterns, habitat loss, and encroachment into conservation areas.
Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia lauded the national government for responding to the cries of communities that have suffered for years without adequate compensation or support.
“This programme brings hope to thousands of families. It shows that leadership can be compassionate and just, even in matters of wildlife,” the Governor said.
He added that Meru County is committed to working closely with national agencies to enhance wildlife management, promote ecotourism, and ensure local communities benefit from natural resources.
The operationalisation of the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund is expected to attract support from both public and private sector partners, ensuring long-term funding for conservation and compensation efforts.
President Ruto urged development partners, conservation organisations, and local leaders to work in unity to protect both people and wildlife.
“We cannot talk about conservation in isolation. We must invest in communities, ensure justice, and create a future where humans and wildlife coexist peacefully,” he said.
