Government disburses Sh1.8 billion towards human, wildlife conflict compensation claims

By Peter Ochieng

The government has put in place broader efforts, aimed at promoting tourism and fostering peaceful coexistence between communities and wildlife.

According to Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Tourism and Wildlife, the efforts include piloting a digital compensation scheme in six counties: Meru, Laikipia, Narok, Baringo, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta.

If successful, the CS said, they plan to extend the initiative to other counties, ensuring faster and more efficient support for affected communities.

She said the government has disbursed over Sh1 billion towards human, wildlife conflict compensation claims since the 2022/2023 financial year.

“Since the 2022/2023 financial year, the government has already disbursed Sh1.868 billion towards human-wildlife conflict compensation claims, with Sh908 million in FY 2022/2023 and Sh960 million in FY 2023/2024. We are committed to clearing the backlog of these claims by 2026,” said the CS.

“A nationwide verification exercise will begin soon to ensure accurate data on the full extent of compensation claims across the country.”

She spoke at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu on Friday morning, during the launch of the sensitization drive for county wildlife conservation committees in Western Kenya. Miano was in Kisumu for the United Nations (UN) World Tourism Week and the World Tourism Day celebrations, under the theme, “Tourism for Peace.”

She expressed her appreciation to Kisumu County for hosting the Kenya Tourism week celebrations, which culminated to World Tourism Day celebrations, at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports ground.

Speaking at a gala dinner on Thursday, CS Miano said that Kenya's tourism stake is set to expand with the unveiling of nine regional circuits, marking a renewed focus on domestic tourism under the "Tembea Kenya" initiative.

The newly unveiled circuits, she said, are part of the ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, to re-image tourist experiences by showcasing hidden gems aimed at boasting both domestic and international travel.

"The week-long celebrations have been marked with events, activations and showcases of Kisumu's unique tourist attractions including visits to Ndere Island, tree planting at Kajulu Hills, fashion shows, programs championed by the youth which included street art and hackathon that showcased skills and innovations,” she noted.

Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu who doubles as the Chair of the Tourism and Wildlife Committee in the Council of Governors (COG), called increased government allocation to the tourism docket.

"Tourism if well harnessed could become the largest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a major source of employment for the youth which is one of the government's key agendas," he added.

Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili vouched for more tourists to visit the Western Kenya tourism circuit, saying there’s plenty on offer.