State pays Sh70 million to Laikipia wildlife victims

The government has begun settling long-pending claims for human-wildlife conflict victims in Laikipia North, with 700 beneficiaries receiving a total of Sh70 million after more than a decade of waiting.

During a visit on Friday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the disbursement is part of a national plan to compensate all victims of wildlife-related injuries, deaths, and crop losses.

He said the government is working to ease the suffering of families who have waited for years for justice.

"In Laikipia, we are paying Sh70 million for 700 beneficiaries who have waited for long to receive their claims. Some have waited for over 10 years, but this government will sort them," Kindiki said.

The DP noted that the government has allocated Sh950 million in the current financial year to address such claims across the country and plans to increase the amount to ensure no affected person is left behind.

"For many years, claims have piled up for years but the President has instructed that they should be cleared," he said.

Kindiki added that from 2023, the state has paid out Sh2.8 billion in compensation, the highest ever recorded for victims of human-wildlife conflict.

The funds are aimed at easing the pain of those who lost loved ones, sustained injuries, or suffered crop damage due to wild animals.

“All the claims for deaths occasioned by wildlife, injuries, and loss of crops will be compensated,” he assured.

The DP also announced that the government will fence all wildlife sanctuaries to reduce conflict between communities and wild animals.

He said the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has been directed to act swiftly.

"The Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary in charge of Wildlife are under strict instructions by the President to clear the pending claims and put up the fence before the next elections," Kithure said.

He reaffirmed that the fencing project will not only protect communities but also help in managing wildlife populations within designated areas.

The Deputy President was accompanied by key leaders from Laikipia, including Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, Governor Joshua Irungu, Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere, and local MCAs.

He used the opportunity to assure residents of the government’s continued commitment to developing infrastructure, highlighting plans to upgrade the Nanyuki-Doldol highway.

"Nanyuki-Doldol highway will be tarmacked as promised during campaigns. This is a critical road project which will be done by this government," Kindiki said.

The DP also spoke about the improvement of security in the region, saying Laikipia has become more peaceful since the current administration took office in 2022.

"Security in Laikipia has improved significantly because of a raft of measures implemented by the government when we took over in 2022. Most areas are enjoying peace courtesy of the interventions, which will be intensified to other parts that are unstable," he added.

Kindiki further stated that additional Kenya Police Reservists will be deployed in areas still affected by banditry and cattle rustling to restore calm and protect communities.

The compensation exercise and the upcoming development projects, he said, show that the government is committed to fulfilling its promises and ensuring no Kenyan is left behind.