By OUR CORRESPONDENT
The government has reaffirmed its national commitment to mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) and compensating affected communities during a high-level public engagement forum held in Taita Taveta County.
The event brought together senior government officials, conservation leaders, and community stakeholders to showcase and strengthen ongoing interventions aimed at safeguarding human lives while conserving Kenya’s unique wildlife heritage.
Human-Wildlife Conflict remains a pressing challenge in several parts of the country, particularly in regions adjacent to national parks and reserves.
It threatens both rural livelihoods and Kenya’s globally renowned biodiversity. The government has prioritized HWC response as part of its broader agenda for inclusive conservation and sustainable development.
Speaking during the event, Erastus Kanga, the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), emphasized the critical role of stakeholder collaboration in effectively addressing the rising HWC incidents.
He highlighted ongoing mitigation efforts being spearheaded by KWS, including installation of electric fencing in high-conflict zones to prevent wildlife intrusion into farmlands and settlements
Development of boreholes and water pans within wildlife habitats to reduce resource-driven migration into human-occupied areas is another intervention.
“These measures reflect a balanced, sustainable strategy that secures both people and wildlife,” said Prof. Kanga. “We must invest in long-term solutions that reduce conflict while preserving our invaluable natural capital,” he added.
The Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, outlined broader government actions to bolster national HWC response capacity.
These include construction of access roads in conflict-prone areas to enhance emergency response and expansion of electric fencing to additional counties facing recurrent conflict.
“Provision of water sources inside protected areas to address seasonal migration pressures,” the CS added.
Acknowledging the pain endured by victims of wildlife-related injuries, deaths, and property damage, Miano announced a significant compensation milestone.
A total of KSh 45,409,120 was disbursed to 22 claimants from the Taita Taveta County during the event. The funds are part of a continuing effort to clear the backlog of verified compensation claims countrywide.
“The Government is actively pursuing additional resources to ensure prompt and fair compensation for victims,” she affirmed. “We are grateful to His Excellency President William Ruto for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of communities living near protected areas,” she added.
The Cabinet Secretary called for closer coordination between national government entities, county governments, conservation partners, and the public to promote peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife. She reiterated the Ministry’s focus on people-centered conservation and reaffirmed its dedication to upholding justice and equity for all Kenyans impacted by conservation pressures.
The Kenya Wildlife Service, working under the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, remains at the forefront of national efforts to reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict through science-based, community-sensitive, and ecologically sound approaches.
