"As government, we are yet to pay for claims since 2017 for individuals affected by the wild animals. Plans are on course to release the payments," he said.
He officials are reviewing the 2018 policy that excluded snakebites from compensation.
“There will be public participation as required. If Kenyans want snake bites to be included as a form of wild animal attacks, the government will listen to the need,” he said.
Segor said water will be provided to wild animals during the drought to reduce the cases of wildlife encroaching on homesteads for food and water.
He said competition for resources like water and food cause most conflicts.
“We are prioritising water for this and other semi-arid regions to reduce cases of animals searching for water and ending up attacking people," Segor said.
Counties have also been urged ensure all health facilities in snake-infested areas have anti-venom.
Boinnet, who launched the compensation, said there is a proposal to allow insurance for human-wildlife conflict to ensure swift payment of claims.
“We still have a backlog of claims dating back to 2014 and this should not be the case if there was an insurer handling them. This is where we are headed to ensure victims get their benefits swiftly,” the CAS said.
Victims of human-wildlife conflict in Elgeyo Marakwet received Sh28.5 million compensation. The county had 560 compensation claims, including 111 being injuries and death.
He called on residents to establish wildlife conservancies as one way of reducing conflicts and also ensuring they have tourism income.
(Edited by V. Graham)
