This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
Published on July 2, 2019, a report by the Ministry of Tourism revealed that human-wildlife conflicts have been a persistent problem in Kenya, resulting in the loss of 477 lives between 2014 and 2018.
According to the report, 1,263 people were seriously injured, 501 properties were damaged, and 735 animals were killed during the same period.
Speaking to the Senate Committee on Tourism, Tourism Secretary Najib Balala acknowledged the challenges faced by the ministry in compensating the victims, citing budgetary constraints and lack of verified claims.
Under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013, compensation for human death, injury, or damage to property has been significantly increased. Section 25 of the Act stipulates that Sh5 million will be paid for human death, Sh3 million for injury with permanent disability, and up to Sh2 million for other injuries, depending on the degree.
The Ministerial Wildlife Conservation and Compensation Committee (MWCCC) put the unpaid claims at Sh5 billion, with some Sh1.5 billion having been released to each of the 166 approved human deaths.
Mr. Balala also informed the committee that verification of 4,530 injury claims has been completed, and a final report would be completed by July 10.
Some Sh579 million was allocated in the 2019-20 budget for compensation, with the conflicts being common in Laikipia, Narok, Taita Taveta, Lamu, Meru, and Kajiado counties.
