Kenya compensates wildlife victims with Sh120 million

By Bisola Adeyemo

The State Department of Wildlife in Kenya has compensated each family that has lost a member, wounded and have properties destroyed by wild animals.

The Makueni County Commissioner (CC), Maalim Mohammed, said this in his Wote office while briefing the media on Monday.

According to him, Sh 5 million was given to each family making the total amount of 90 that was paid to 1,058 cases of wildlife attacks that occurred between 2016 and 2020 August, KNA reports.

Mohammed revealed that there were 16 deaths, over 100 injuries, Six (6) cows killed besides destruction of crops and damages to water pipes and tanks in the areas prone to human-wildlife conflict in the area.

“The Kenya Wildlife has released Sh 5 million to each family that has lost a member totaling to Sh 90 million besides paying 30,222,427 million for injuries, destruction of pipes, crops and tanks and 6 cows killed by wild animals,” said Mohammed while briefing the media.

Further Mohammed warned government officials and wananchi against presenting false claims, saying they risked prosecution if found culpable.

“We have seen people come to claim compensation from the government for incidents that occurred in 2008. This is unacceptable, you need to report the wildlife attacks within 24 hours for you to receive any compensation,” he said.

“Today we are interrogating each case and we hope to complete the process by Saturday when the genuine attacks of wildlife will be submitted to the State Department of Wildlife to compensate the victims,” he said.

The areas prone to wildlife attacks are in Kathozweni, Makindu and Kibwezi Sub counties besides attacks in Athi River when people go to fetch water for their animals and domestic use.

Mohammed also thanked the Tsavo Trust and Davis Shirtliff for constructing a 33 kilometre electric fence that has prevented wildlife from straying away from the Tsavo National Park and Chyulu Park.