Governor Kiraitu calls for compensation of human-wildlife conflict victims

Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has called on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to fast track compensation claims for victims of human-wildlife conflict.

“In India, we hear that elephants carry people, but in Meru it is the opposite. People live in fear due to constant invasion by elephants. Compensation claims of more than Sh420 million are yet to be paid,” Mr Murungi said.

Kiraitu who was speaking during celebrations to mark world elephant day reiterated his administration’s commitment in promoting peaceful co-existence between wildlife-man.

The Governor thanked the Kenya Wildlife Services for for their renewed commitment in partnering with the county government of Meru.

According to Tourism and Wildlife PS Margaret Mwakima, Compensation claims from victims of human-wildlife conflict in the last five years have hit Sh15 billion.

The PS called on the National Assembly and the Senate to approve budgetary allocations to the ministry to facilitate payment of the claims.

“As soon as we receive the funds from Treasury, we will pay on first come, first served basis to reduce the backlog. We are concerned about the delays and this is why we are coming up with a lasting solution,” she said.