Post: State Allocates Sh3.8 Billion for Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation

Nairobi: The government has announced an allocation of at least Sh3.8 billion to compensate victims of human-wildlife conflict, aiming to address the backlog of unresolved cases over the past three years.According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Prof. Erastus Kanga revealed that the agency has documented 26,000 cases of human-wildlife conflicts in the last two years alone, resulting in more than Sh1.2 billion in compensation fees. Prof. Kanga noted that the government, through the State Department for Wildlife, plans to release additional funds to compensate more victims whose cases have been validated.Speaking at the three-day Second International Wildlife Scientific Conference in Naivasha, Prof. Kanga emphasized the agency's use of science-based data to enhance wildlife management and conservation efforts. This data is instrumental in planning and mapping wildlife corridors and predator routes, enabling proactive responses to potential incidents.Prof. Kanga highlighted th at in the past three years, the government has released Sh3.8 billion for compensation and requires an additional Sh1.2 billion to cover the reported incidents over the past two years. He reported that 255 individuals have lost their lives, and 725 have sustained serious injuries, some life-threatening.The Director General attributed the increase in human-wildlife conflict cases to factors like open borders of country parks, population growth, and the effects of climate change. The completion of the Second National Wildlife Census has shown a rise in populations of certain species, such as rhinos and elephants, due to data-driven conservation efforts.The conference, attended by over 300 local and international scientists and researchers, aims to leverage innovation in wildlife science for sustainable biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development. Key challenges identified include changes in land use, infrastructural development, increasing human and livestock populations, habitat loss, and glob al climate change.Wildlife Research and Training Institute Director Dr. Patrick Omondi stated that the conference aims to utilize scientific data for improved policy decisions on wildlife conservation. This data will help address climate change threats, protect wildlife corridors, and promote animal migration and human-wildlife coexistence.Dr. David Nkedianye, Chair of the Naivasha-based institute, expressed that the conference will provide key recommendations for government and policymakers to enhance wildlife sustainability. He emphasized that scientific data will guide the Kenya Wildlife Service in refining its wildlife conservation and management strategies, ultimately benefiting biodiversity and local communities.