Marsabit Families Receive Sh24 Million Wildlife Conflict Compensation

May 24, 2026 - The government has issued compensation cheques worth Sh24.3 million to 155 victims of human-wildlife conflict in Saku Constituency, Marsabit County, as part of efforts to ease the burden on communities living near wildlife habitats.

The compensation was issued Friday  by the State Department for Wildlife during celebrations to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity.

Speaking on behalf of Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, Tobiko Noyioma said the government remained committed to reducing cases of human-wildlife conflict through long-term mitigation measures and improved compensation systems.

“Government is committed towards sustainable Human-Wildlife Conflict mitigation measures through construction of electric fences, expansion of community conservancies, development of water pans and boreholes, and strengthening partnerships for wildlife conservation,” said Noyioma.

She added that the State Department was also investing in coexistence programmes, including restoration of wildlife corridors and piloting a digital compensation system to speed up payments to affected families.

“The Government continues to enhance coexistence initiatives through restoration of wildlife corridors and the piloting of a digital compensation system aimed at ensuring faster and more efficient compensation to affected communities,” she said.

Human-wildlife conflict remains a major challenge in pastoralist counties across northern Kenya, including Marsabit, Isiolo, Samburu, Wajir and Garissa, where communities frequently compete with wild animals for scarce resources such as water and pasture.

The problem often worsens during prolonged droughts, when elephants, buffaloes, lions and other wildlife stray into villages and grazing fields in search of food and water, leading to destruction of crops, livestock attacks and in some cases loss of human life.

Pastoralist communities have repeatedly called for faster compensation and stronger intervention measures, arguing that delayed payments leave affected families struggling to recover from losses.

The government has in recent years intensified efforts to promote human-wildlife coexistence through community conservancies, fencing projects and water infrastructure in wildlife-prone areas.