President William Ruto today inaugurated the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Fund in Meru County, allocating KSh 950 million to assist Kenyans affected by wildlife-related incidents across the nation.
Nairobi Leo
The initiative aims to provide timely financial relief to individuals and communities suffering from human-wildlife conflicts, which have led to fatalities, injuries, and property damage. The fund is part of a broader government strategy to enhance coexistence between humans and wildlife, particularly in regions adjacent to national parks and reserves.
Speaking at the launch, President Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by human-wildlife interactions. He highlighted that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has authorized the development of modern hotel facilities within Meru National Park to promote eco-tourism and generate local employment opportunities.
Kenyans
The compensation program incorporates technological advancements to streamline the claims process. Victims can now receive payments through mobile money platforms, reducing delays and enhancing transparency. Additionally, the government has established County-level Community Wildlife Compensation Committees to oversee the disbursement of funds and ensure community involvement in decision-making.
Over the past three years, the government has disbursed a total of KSh 3.8 billion in compensation to victims of human-wildlife conflicts, underscoring its dedication to mitigating the adverse effects of such incidents.
The Mount Kenya Times
The launch of the compensation fund marks a significant step towards fostering harmonious coexistence between communities and wildlife, ensuring that conservation efforts do not come at the expense of human well-being.
For more information on the compensation fund and how to file a claim, individuals are encouraged to contact the State Department for Wildlife or visit the Kenya Wildlife Service’s official website.
