Ksh.32 million paid to 32 wildlife conflict victims in Siaya and Kisumu

Speaking during the presentation of cheques in Usigu Sub-County, the department’s Conservation Secretary Dr. John Chumo said that out of the 32 beneficiaries, 17 were from Siaya, while 15 were from Kisumu’

The compensation covers families that lost relatives in wildlife attacks, people injured by wild animals, and residents whose crops or livestock were destroyed. Dr. Chumo said the government aims to clear the national backlog of human-wildlife conflict compensation claims by the end of 2027.

The Conservation Secretary said that the backlog stood at more than Ksh.4 billion when the current administration took office, adding that they have been allocating Ksh.1 billion annually for compensation since 2023 and set aside Ksh.1.4 billion for the current financial year.

He has, however, asked claimants whose cases are still under review to remain patient, saying that pending claims will be settled as funds become available.

KWS Assistant Director for Kisumu, Mr. Hussein Halake, said the agency is conducting public awareness campaigns to help communities prevent human-wildlife conflict. He said compensation should only be a last resort after measures to prevent conflict have failed.

Siaya County Warden Sheila Ochieng urged residents to avoid encroaching on riparian land to prevent cases where they may face attacks by crocodiles and damage to crops by hippos.

She said the government is establishing a KWS post in Usigu Division to bring wildlife services closer to residents following increased cases involving hippos, crocodiles and hyenas in the region.