At least 225 victims of human-wildlife conflict in Tana River County have received compensation totaling Sh172 million, according to Dr. John Chumo, the Conservation Secretary at the State Department for Wildlife. The cheques were issued in Hola town, as reported by the Kenya News Agency.
Dr. Chumo stated that the payments cover incidents including attacks by elephants, crocodiles, and other wildlife that have caused injuries, deaths, and property damage in the region. The compensation is part of the government's ongoing efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, which has been a persistent issue in areas bordering national parks and reserves.
The beneficiaries include families of those killed or injured in wildlife attacks, as well as farmers whose crops were destroyed by animals. The State Department for Wildlife has urged residents to report incidents promptly to facilitate timely compensation.
This payout is among the largest in the region, reflecting the severity of human-wildlife conflict in Tana River County, where communities often live near wildlife habitats. The government has also implemented measures such as fencing and early warning systems to reduce future conflicts.
