CS Miano: State committed to fencing off game reserves

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano/HANDOUT

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has affirmed that the government is committed to fencing off game parks and reserves to avert cases of human-wildlife conflict.

Miano who was reacting to reports indicating that three people lost their lives after they were attacked by elephants in Narok, Kitui and Laikipia counties, said her ministry was working tirelessly hard to address the issue by putting the necessary measures in place.

“We have received three tragic reports of people being killed by elephants. Kenya Wildlife Service is on high alert to ensure that these cases don't occur again. We are putting all effort into ensuring co-existence between humans and wildlife," said Miano.

For the Kitui case, Miano said a team of rangers from KWS has been dispatched to monitor the movements of the elephants while in Laikipia, she noted that the community will be engaged to unlock the stalemate that has hindered the construction of a perimeter fence.

Reducing human-wildlife conflict is a crucial matter for communities living near national parks.

Last year, Miano spearheaded an ambitious exercise that will address cases of the human-wildlife conflict.

“The President has made it clear that communities and the people of Kenya are at the centre of the government's mandate. We are here to compensate the victims," Miano said.

“We are also coming up with many proposals on how to raise funds so that the compensation becomes consistent and sustainable," she added.

To make compensation more responsive, the Ministry has also announced an increase in the compensation rates, particularly for elephant-related incidents.

The compensation for elephant attacks has risen from Sh30,000 to a substantial Sh5 million per case.

The compensation scheme, which was initially launched in April 2024 with a budget of Sh960 million, aims to provide financial relief to victims of human-wildlife conflict, including those who have lost loved ones, suffered injuries, or had their property or crops destroyed.