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MPs question diversion of Sh300m compensation for wildlife victims
Principal Secretary, State Department for Wildlife, Silvia Museiya Kihoro.
Parliament has recommended a special audit into how Sh300 million meant for compensation of victims of human-wildlife conflict was used for administrative purposes.
The Tourism and Wildlife committee, chaired by Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, has also written to Wildlife Principal Secretary Silvia Museiya Kihoro demanding an explanation on how the Sh300 million was used.
The total allocation for compensating victims of wildlife attacks and damage caused by wild animals under the Digitally Enabled Human-Wildlife Compensation was Sh800 million.
That means only Sh500 million was left for the victims. Details of the expenditure came up during the review of budget estimates for the 2026/2027 financial year, prompting questions by the MPs. “This notice serves to inform you that the committee has recommended a special audit to verify the breakdown of the expenditure incurred under the pilot digital HWC payment for the period 2023/2024, 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years,” reads the letter from the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano during an interview at her office in Nairobi on June 3, 2025.
The letter has been copied to the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano. Ms Kihoro is expected to respond by today. The committee also wants details on the allocation to each of the six counties used to pilot the digital payment platform, the individuals who benefited in each sub-county and accompanying payment documents, as well as a complete list of all beneficiaries.
Furthermore, the PS was instructed to furnish the committee with the criteria used to determine the eligibility of beneficiaries, the timeline for processing claims, and the methods of disbursement, including the digital tools used.
Apart from the digital compensation model, the committee also directed the PS to table documents showing those who have been compensated through the regular or manual system, which is still being used in 41 counties.
During the appearance before the committee, top officials at the Wildlife department were put under the spotlight over how the cash was spent, with MPs suggesting that more money may have been lost in other financial years.
“What kind of services were worth Sh300 million?” asked Mr Mbiuki. Voi MP Abdi Chome demanded details of the digitalisation project to determine whether the expenditure offered value for money.
“Provide the committee with details of the digital project to justify paying such a huge amount. How do you spend Sh300 million to create a programme for paying out Sh500 million? There is no value for money,” said Mr Chome.
The pilot phase of the project focused on northern Kenya counties, including Marsabit, Isiolo, Samburu, Wajir and Garissa, where human-wildlife conflicts have been rampant. In the six counties, the project aimed to accelerate claims processing through real-time data collection, verification and direct payment where possible via mobile services for claims below Sh100,000.
Ijara MP Abdi Ali said compensation for wildlife victims was a sensitive matter and questioned why funds meant for victims were diverted to consultancy services. His Lamu East counterpart, Mohammed Ruweida, said allocated funds should be used carefully and transparently.
“The issue of compensation for victims has always been raised on the floor of the House. The State department should be transparent in disbursing funds to victims,” said Ms Ruweida.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano (left) and Principal Secretary State Department for Wildlife Silvia Museiya during the Kenya Tourism, Wildlife and MICE Week at Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi on December 8, 2025.
On May 7, 2025, Ms Miano unveiled the technology-driven project to compensate victims of human-wildlife conflict.
“With the human-wildlife conflict compensation drive officially underway today, we begin a nationwide campaign that will culminate in Meru County. This drive is a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to fairness, justice and deep collaboration with counties as we shift the national conversation from conflict to coexistence,” she said then.
The CS noted that the model would replace outdated manual systems and that it aims to enhance transparency.
“So far, Sh10 million has been wired to beneficiaries swiftly and transparently, with 804 pending claims set to follow soon. This system is both about efficiency and the restoration of dignity to those impacted by human-wildlife conflict. It is also about rebuilding trust in a shared conservation vision,” she added.
Cases of human-wildlife conflict have remained rampant across the country, with affected victims lamenting the slow pace of compensation.
Many have also disputed the amounts awarded, saying they are not commensurate with the damage suffered.
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