Ruto Unveils Sh950 Million Compensation for Human-Wildlife Conflict Victims

President William Ruto has announced a Sh950 million compensation package for victims of human-wildlife conflict, marking the third phase of payouts in the current financial year.

Speaking during an address at Meru National Park, the President affirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the compensation process for affected Kenyans. The new funds aim to expedite claims and payments for individuals who have suffered injury, death, or property loss due to wildlife encounters.

“We want to ensure Kenyans are paid within the shortest time possible. This is why we have migrated the scheme from a manual to a digital platform,” said Ruto.

To streamline the compensation process, all human-wildlife conflict incidents must now be reported and filed within 90 days. Furthermore, Ruto directed that victims should receive payments within four months of filing a report, calling on relevant authorities to eliminate unnecessary delays.

The President disclosed that over the past two years, Sh2.8 billion has already been paid to victims, surpassing the Sh2.7 billion disbursed between 2013 and 2022.

In a broader push towards sustainable conservation, Ruto launched the Wildlife Conservation Prepaid Card in partnership with KCB Bank. The first-of-its-kind financial product allows Kenyans to contribute to conservation through everyday spending. The card comes in three tiers—Elephant, Lion, and Cheetah—which donate Sh10, Sh5, and Sh3 per transaction, respectively, to the Wildlife Trust Fund.

“Wildlife must benefit Kenyans. Conservation is not just about protection; it’s about participation and reward,” he emphasized.

The government has also made significant investments to reduce future conflicts. These include recruiting 1,500 new game rangers and acquiring 100 vehicles in 2024 to strengthen wildlife monitoring and park security.

Additionally, digitization of park entry fees has raised transparency and revenues, which have increased from Sh5.3 billion two years ago to Sh7.5 billion in 2025.

To physically mitigate human-wildlife encounters, the government has extended wildlife fencing by 200 kilometres, with more funding being sought to secure Meru National Park fully.

In a final boost to local infrastructure and tourism, Ruto announced a Sh250 million allocation for the renovation of the Meru Mulika Airstrip, positioning it as a gateway to enhanced economic and ecological activity in the region.

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Ruto Unveils Sh950 Million Compensation for Human-Wildlife Conflict Victims