Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu has hailed the national government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, for compensating victims of human-wildlife conflict in Masinga and along the Athi River who were attacked by crocodiles and hippos.
Kavindu said that victims of wildlife attacks between 2014 and 2019 had received an initial compensation of Sh1 million each and were to receive further installments annually until the total amount was paid.
The Machakos Senator, while speaking at a regional congregation of women from the African Inland Churches (AIC) at Ukamba Bible College in Machakos on Thursday, said that those being compensated had lost their relatives in the attacks, and others had their crops destroyed.
“I appreciate the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife for the good work they are doing and for compensating our people who were victims of wildlife attacks from 2014–2019,” said Kavindu.
She further added that those affected by the human-wildlife conflict between 2020 and 2023 have not yet been compensated but will receive their compensation in due time.
The senator urged Machakos residents who have been affected by the human-wildlife conflict to submit their claims to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for compensation.
She also called upon the KWS and Ministry of Water to fence off Masinga Dam to prevent the crocodiles and hippos from attacking the people.
Kavindu lamented that there are hyenas attacking residents at Kya Nzavi and urged the government to fence the area so as to stop the human-wildlife conflict in the county.
Earlier in the year, Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza, while attending a burial in Machakos, promised to construct earth dams in parks across the country to bring an end to the conflict.
Malonza said the challenge is due to the fact that there has been minimal rainfall in all the parks and the animals are moving in search of water and pasture.
She disclosed that the Kenya Wildlife Service has established a rapid response unit to patrol areas facing human-wildlife conflict across the country, adding that the government is committed to ensuring that victims of human-wildlife conflicts are compensated accordingly.
By Anne Kangero
