The government has unveiled a robust initiative to tackle rising human-wildlife conflict in Taita Taveta County, a region identified as one of Kenya’s hardest hit by the crisis. Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano announced the measures during a visit to Mwatate yesterday pledging faster compensation, improved mitigation strategies, and stronger community involvement in conservation.
“Taita Taveta is not only rich in biodiversity but also bears the brunt of human-wildlife conflict. This region demands targeted and sustained interventions,” said Miano, addressing local leaders and residents.
Over the past 15 years, Kenya has recorded nearly 60,000 cases of human-wildlife conflict, with Taita Taveta emerging as a hotspot due to its proximity to Tsavo East and West National Parks and its role as a transboundary conservation corridor with Tanzania.
To address the crisis, the government has disbursed a record Ksh 2.8 billion in compensation since 2023—the highest amount ever paid under the Kenya Kwanza administration. An additional Ksh 1.36 billion in verified claims is pending, with the ministry assuring residents that payments will continue under a newly launched digital system designed to eliminate delays and fraud. Already, Ksh 10.1 million has been paid out under the new platform.
Miano also emphasized the importance of preventive measures. The government plans to scale up investment in electric fencing, predator-proof bomas, and early warning systems in conflict-prone areas. Community wildlife conservancies will be expanded to promote eco-tourism and sustainable land use.
Taita Taveta has also benefited from the UNDP-GEF funded IWT-Kenya project, receiving over Ksh 94 million for anti-poaching operations, livelihood programs, and ecosystem planning.
“As a government, we are committed to ensuring wildlife conservation works for the people. Our goal is to turn conflict into coexistence,” said Miano.
With enhanced funding, legal reforms, and community-driven solutions, the ministry aims to make Taita Taveta a model for wildlife conservation and human-wildlife harmony in Kenya.