KWS Disburses Millions in Wildlife Conflict Compensation in Laikipia

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) have begun disbursing millions of shillings in compensation to more than 100 residents of Laikipia County who have suffered losses caused by human-wildlife conflict.

A total of 106 out of 167 approved claimants in the county will receive Ksh24.9 million under the scheme run by the State Department for Wildlife.

The payments, presented at a ceremony in Laikipia on Saturday, mark the latest tranche in an initiative launched in 2023 to reimburse victims of crop damage, livestock predation, and other conflicts with wildlife, particularly elephants.

Of 167 approved claims in Laikipia, officials said the remaining beneficiaries will receive their share of a total Ksh48.9 million allocation once they submit required banking details. KWS teams are continuing to collect details from the rest.

Vincent Ongere, director of the State Department for Wildlife, said the 106 claimants who have already provided account information will receive cheques immediately.

“Today we are disbursing Ksh24.9 million to the 106 beneficiaries who have already provided their bank accounts,” Ongere said. “The rest will be paid once they submit their details. The Kenya Wildlife Service is collecting the information, and payments will either be made directly or collected at the local KWS office.”

Laikipia, a vast plateau in central Kenya known for its conservancies, luxury safari lodges, and abundant big game, has long been a flashpoint for tensions between wildlife conservation and small-scale agriculture. Elephants, in particular, routinely raid farms, trampling crops and exacerbating food insecurity in the region.

Officials said the program aims not only to provide financial relief but also to foster better cooperation between residents, local leaders, and wildlife authorities in preventing future incidents.

Communities urged to report and cooperate

Wellington Gathungu, the Laikipia director for the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), emphasised the shared responsibility between authorities and local people. He called on residents to promptly report wildlife incursions to the nearest KWS station or chief’s office.

“We all have a duty,” Gathungu said. “When elephants or other animals come close to your farms or homes, the first responsibility is to report it so that we can respond together.”

Sarah Korere, Member of Parliament for Laikipia North, attended the cheque presentation ceremony and encouraged unregistered eligible residents to come forward. She also pressed KWS to intensify measures to keep elephants from raiding farms.