The government has launched a new technology-driven compensation model that promises faster payouts and greater transparency for affected communities.
Unveiled by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano, the system marks a major policy shift in how the state handles claims from victims of wildlife-related injuries, deaths, and property loss. The move comes amid rising tensions in wildlife-rich regions, where locals often suffer silently as conservation efforts thrive.
“This isn’t just an upgrade in how we process claims—it’s a statement that the government sees, hears, and stands with those living at the frontline of conservation,” Miano said at a press briefing in Nairobi.
Already piloted in six counties, the digital platform accelerates compensation by streamlining claim verification and payment through real-time data and mobile money services such as M-Pesa for smaller claims. To date, Ksh 10 million has been disbursed through the system, with 804 additional cases queued for payment.
The initiative also revives Community Wildlife Compensation Committees (CWCCs), shifting more decision-making power to the grassroots. By involving local representatives in verifying claims, the Ministry hopes to curb delays, eliminate corruption, and make the process more responsive to the realities on the ground.
Still, the challenge remains daunting. With over 20,000 pending claims and a backlog of Ksh 1.36 billion, the scale of unmet need is vast. Human-wildlife conflict incidents peaked at 8,272 in 2023, further underscoring the urgency of reform.
To build momentum, the government has launched a nationwide awareness drive culminating in a major compensation event in Meru County on May 26.
“This is a shared story—of loss, resilience, and the hope for coexistence,” she said. “We cannot do it alone.”
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