NAIROBI, Kenya — In a bold move to strengthen coexistence between people and wildlife, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, today unveiled a transformative compensation model aimed at addressing the persistent challenge of human-wildlife conflict (HWC).
The new system — anchored on transparency, equity, and technology — is designed to deliver faster, fairer compensation to victims of wildlife encounters, especially in regions where communities share space with Kenya’s iconic biodiversity.
“This new model is powered by technology and aims to accelerate the processing of claims through real-time data collection and direct payments, including mobile services like M-Pesa for claims under Ksh. 100,000,” Miano announced during a press conference in Nairobi. The approach replaces the outdated manual claim system, which has long been criticized for its inefficiencies and delays.
The system was successfully piloted in six counties, disbursing Ksh. 10 million to beneficiaries, and 804 additional claims are slated for immediate processing. The initiative, according to Miano, restores dignity to victims while rebuilding public trust in conservation institutions.
A Decentralized, Community-Driven Approach
A cornerstone of the new model is the reinstatement of County-level Community Wildlife Compensation Committees (CWCCs). These grassroots committees are empowered to verify claims and ensure compensation decisions are informed by local realities.
“This is not just a bureaucratic fix. It’s a shift in power — giving voice to the communities that live with the consequences of our national heritage,” said Miano.
A History of Progress, But More Work Ahead
Kenya has made significant strides in compensating HWC victims. Since 2013, over Ksh. 4.8 billion has been disbursed to affected families, with Ksh. 2.8 billion paid under the current administration. Compensation for human fatalities caused by wildlife has also been revised upward to reflect market rates.
However, Miano acknowledged a funding shortfall, citing over 20,000 pending claims and a backlog of Ksh. 1.36 billion. She called on national stakeholders to rally behind the cause, emphasizing that the burden of conservation cannot rest solely on frontline communities.
“This issue requires a collective, nationwide effort,” she stated, appealing directly to the media for partnership in raising awareness and advocating for increased funding and preventive strategies.
Mobilizing a National Movement
The Ministry will launch a nationwide human-wildlife compensation campaign in the coming weeks, culminating in a landmark event in Meru County on May 26, 2025. The Cabinet Secretary invited journalists, content creators, and broadcasters to visit pilot counties, document local stories, and amplify the human dimension of conservation.
“This is more than just a policy shift — it is a commitment to safeguarding biodiversity while standing in solidarity with those who bear the cost of living alongside wildlife,” Miano concluded.
As Kenya pioneers a digital-first approach to compensation, the move is being hailed as a model for other African nations grappling with similar conservation challenges. It marks a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing quest to harmonize wildlife protection with human dignity.
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