Kilifi: The Government has disbursed Sh60.38 million to 24 families in Kilifi County as compensation for relatives lost to wildlife-related incidents between 2014 and 2020. Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, led the cheque presentation at the Marafa Vocational Training Centre in Magarini Sub-county, reaffirming the state's commitment to restoring dignity and trust among affected families.
According to Kenya News Agency, the ceremony was attended by notable figures including Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Board of Trustees Chairman, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Walter Raria Koipaton, KWS Director General Prof. Erastus Kanga, and Wildlife Conservation Secretary Mr. John Chumo. The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in Kilifi, noting over 1,300 incidents reported since 2021, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and crop damage.
Miano emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent adverse human-wildlife interactions, stating the government's efforts to keep wildlife within designated habitats, thus allowing residents to conduct their activities without fear. To streamline compensation claims, the Ministry has introduced a digital platform for electronic filing, aimed at speeding up processing and reducing fraudulent claims.
Plans are underway to construct an electric fence along the Tsavo East-Kilifi boundary within a year, alongside the deployment of modern surveillance tools like drones and cameras for rapid response. The Ministry is also working with community leaders to develop local solutions.
A joint statement from the Ministry and KWS Communication teams revealed that Sh2.8 billion has already been compensated nationwide for incidents between 2014 and 2020, with an additional Sh1.36 billion in process. Local leaders, including National Assembly Majority Leader Owen Baya and Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule, expressed their support for the initiative while emphasizing the urgent need for an electric fence to prevent elephants from invading residential areas.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Koipaton pledged the Board's guidance in transforming KWS into a more community-focused, innovative institution. Prof. Kanga acknowledged the challenges posed by wildlife incursions, particularly in Ganze, Magarini, and Vitengeni, and assured continued efforts to protect communities while preserving Kenya's natural heritage.
A Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU) has been established in Kilifi to enhance rapid response capabilities. These efforts are part of the KWS Strategic Plan 2024-2028 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, aiming for harmonious coexistence between communities and wildlife. Kilifi County Commissioner Josphat Biwott called for the demarcation of wildlife migratory corridors, linking them to the Tsavo National Park for better management.