KWS spends Sh60m to compensate human-wildlife conflict victims in Kilifi
By Ronald Mwadzombo, July 4, 2025Communities in Kilifi County have received over Sh60 million in compensation for losses linked to human–wildlife conflict, marking a significant step in restoring trust and dignity among the affected families.
The payment was from 2014 to October 2020, clearing part of claims for human deaths as the government commits to clearing all pending compensation money
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, accompanied by KWS Board of Trustees Chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Walter Raria Koipaton and KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga, led the cheque issuance ceremony in Marafa. Also present were Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu, Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, Paul Katana (Kaloleni), Kenneth Kazungu (Ganze), MCAs, and national government officers led by the Kilifi County Commissioner Josephat Biwot.
The CS stressed that compensation is a constitutional right under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, not a favour.
She stressed the government’s resolve to translate policy into tangible benefits for citizens, highlighting more than 1,300 human–wildlife conflict cases have been reported in Kilifi since 2021.
“Nationwide, the current administration has already disbursed Sh2.8 billion in compensation, with an additional Sh1.36 billion under processing — a demonstration of sustained government goodwill to ease the burden on affected communities,” she said.
Beyond compensation, she outlined a six-pillar prevention strategy, including corridor fencing, modern early warning systems, and enhanced ranger presence.
“The government is commitment to community upliftment through Corporate Social Investment projects such as building classrooms, distributing water tanks, and supporting local development,” said Miano.
KWS board chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Koipaton reinforced the Board’s pledge to guide KWS towards becoming a more community-oriented, solution-driven institution anchored in transparency, partnership, and innovation.
He assured the community that the Board is actively engaged in reviewing and supporting stronger measures to protect both people and wildlife, adding that inclusive, people-led conservation remains central to KWS’s mission.
Kanga on his part acknowledged the hardship caused by recurring wildlife incursions in Ganze, Magarini, and Kaloleni pledging KWS’s unwavering commitment to protect communities while conserving Kenya’s natural heritage.
He confirmed the deployment of a fully equipped Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU) in Kilifi to improve rapid response and reduce fear among residents.
“These interventions, anchored in the KWS Strategic Plan 2024–2028 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, reflect a shared vision, a future where communities and wildlife not only coexist, but flourish together in safety, harmony, and mutual benefit,” said Kanga.