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DP Kindiki: All human-wildlife conflict victims to be compensated before 2027 elections
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addresses coffee farmers at Kavutiri Coffee Mills in Embu County, on April 26, 2027.
The government has pledged to finalise delayed compensation to victims of human-wildlife conflicts in the next two years, amounting to billions of shillings.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the process which has seen claimants wait for up to ten years before receiving payout arising from injuries and deaths caused by wild animals, would be fast-tracked through use of technology and allocation of more funds.
“All the claims for human deaths, injuries, loss of crops and livestock will be compensated in the first term of this government. On top of settling claims, we shall fence all the wildlife sanctuaries to lessen human-wildlife conflict," the DP said.
Prof Kindiki, who spoke at Naibor Shopping Centre in Laikipia County during issuance of compensation cheques to 700 residents, admitted that the government is aware of the existing slow and tedious process.
“I am aware that some victims have waited for nearly ten years but I assure you that the government is determined to reduce the waiting period through application of modern technology. All those affected will have received their dues before the next General Election,” he said.
Prof Kindiki, who was accompanied by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, spoke a few days after the government unveiled what it terms as a transformative and community-centric strategy aimed at mitigating human wildlife conflict through streamlining the compensation process.
Early this week, the Wildlife Department said it would embark on issuance of cheques to verified claimants in hotspot counties in the build-up to the nationwide official launch to be presided over by President William Ruto later this month.
Data from the ministry indicate that more than Sh3.5 billion has been paid out in the last three years with the highest amount of Sh1.76 billion paid out in the current financial year which is almost equivalent to the Sh1.8 billion paid in the two previous years combined.
Laikipia and Taita Taveta counties lead as hotspots for human-wildlife conflicts, with communities residing in areas where wild animals such as elephants roam freely complaining of the bureaucracy in the compensation process.
Laikipia North MP who was present in Naibor, urged those who did not receive their cheques to be patient, saying they were still being processed.
“I know among you there are those who came expecting to receive their cheques. Be patient, I have been assured they are on the way,” said Ms Korere. It was not immediately possible to establish the number who were left out within Laikipia County.
Prof Kindiki asked Kenyans to be patient with the government and hit out at opposition leaders who have been accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to fulfil pledges made ahead of the 2022 General Election.
“All the promises we made including tarmacking of roads will be fulfilled before 2027. I urge you not to listen to leaders who are only good at inciting you without offering any tangible solution,” said the DP.
