Wildlife Secretary Shadrack Ngene hands over a dummy cheque to some of the Human-Wildlife conflict victimst in Kitui County on May 23 2025/Ministry of Wildlife and Tourism/XThe Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has disbursed a cheque of Sh 52,631,000 to 26 victims of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) in Kitui County.
The ceremony, held in Mutomo, also commemorated the 2025 International Day for Biological Diversity, observed under the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”
Wildlife Secretary Dr. Shadrack Ngene, standing in for the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, officially presented the symbolic cheque.
In his address, Dr. Ngene reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to tackling Human-Wildlife Conflict through both compensation and the adoption of preventive strategies.
He emphasised the crucial contribution of local communities to biodiversity conservation and assured them of the government's ongoing support in this shared mission.
The disbursed funds are intended to compensate for injuries, fatalities, and destruction of property caused by human-wildlife conflicts in the region.
The occasion was attended by Kitui County Deputy Governor H.E. Augustine Kanani, area MP Dr. Nyamai, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), and senior government officials, including Government Administrative Officers (GAOs) under the leadership of the County Commissioner.
Several stakeholders and community members also participated in the day’s commemoration.
“This compensation not only brings justice to the affected families but also reinforces our collective commitment to harmonious coexistence with nature,” said Deputy Governor Kanani.
The International Day for Biological Diversity celebration offered an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and stress the need for collaborative conservation efforts in resolving human-wildlife conflict.
The Ministry is dedicated to working with county governments and partners to enhance community resilience, protect habitats, and establish early intervention measures to reduce conflict and promote coexistence.
