Ruto Increases Compensation By 25 Times For Kenyans Killed By Elephants [VIDEO]

President William Ruto on Friday, April 12 announced a significant increase in compensation fees for Kenyans killed by elephants during human-animal conflicts.

He was speaking on Friday, April 12 at Laikipia during the launch of the human-wildlife conflict mitigation and compensation scheme, where he announced that Kenyans killed by elephants would be given a Ksh5 million compensation up from the previous Ksh200,000.

“We have now changed the laws. In the past, when someone was killed by an elephant, he was compensated Ksh200,000.

"We are saying now as the government when a Kenyan has been killed by an elephant, we will compensate Ksh5 million…or by any other wild animal,” he announced.

In the same vein, the Head of State also announced a graduation system whereby some Kenyans will receive varied amounts in compensation for those injured by elephants, depending on the gravity of the injuries that occurred.

This would be in anticipation of the medical costs that those who survived elephant attacks would incur when they seek treatment for the injuries incurred.

“And going forward, when a Kenyan is injured by an elephant, we have put a graduation system in place. Some will be paid Ksh3 million, Ksh2 million…if the animal has injured that person seriously, we will compensate Ksh4 million…we will take care of you,” he added.

Furthermore, Ruto announced that the government would disburse Ksh3 billion to 7,000 Kenyans yet to be compensated for cases of human-wildlife conflict.

He further directed the Ministry of Tourism under Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua to compensate Kenyans who were owed for human-wildlife conflicts in the next 60 days.

“In 60 days, all those who have been done for assessment as well as verification…almost 7,000 people, the government will pay the compensation fee within that period so that we ensure that we create good relations between human beings and wildlife,” he added.

“We have close to 17,000 already assessed cases of human-wildlife conflicts with the cost of Ksh7 billion." 

To date, the government has compensated Ksh4 billion to people affected by the wildlife conflicts in Kenya.

Ruto also announced that the government would embark on a nationwide fencing program for all areas that were hosting wild animals such as forests to speed up the compensation process.

President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua look on as Environment CS Soipan Tuya addresses a gathering in Laikipia County on April 12, 2024. /KENYA FOREST SERVICE