State Department for Wildlife

https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/wildlife-attack-victims-in-tana-river-get-sh172-million-compensation/

www.kenyanews.go.ke

Serikali kupitia wizara ya Utalii na wanyama pori imeanza ulipaji wa fidia ya shilingi milioni 172 kwa wakaazi 225 ambao wamedhurika na wanyama pori kaunti ya Tana River, wakilenga kulipa fidia ya shilingi bilioni 1.4 kote nchini mwaka huu.

Today, the Conservation Secretary, Dr. John Chumo, on behalf of Hon. Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH , Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, issued cheques worth Ksh 172 million to beneficiaries of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme in Tana River County.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Chumo noted that a total of 225 beneficiaries from Tana River County will benefit from compensation claims processed between 2024 and 2026.Out of the total beneficiaries, 30 received their cheques during today’s ceremony, while the remaining beneficiaries will collect theirs from the Kenya Wildlife Service offices (Hola), with all cheques already prepared.

Dr. Chumo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to reducing cases of human-wildlife conflict through various interventions, including the installation of electric fences in hotspot areas such as Garsen, Kipini, and Bura, strengthening and equipping KWS rapid response units, promoting community conservancies, and enhancing public education and awareness programmes.

He further encouraged the County Government to align land use planning with conservation priorities and urged communities to embrace community-based conservation initiatives as a sustainable approach to protecting both livelihoods and wildlife.

Present during the event were Senator Danson Mungatana, members of the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) led by the County Commissioner, representatives from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the County Executive Committee Member for Environment representing the Governor, as well as the great people of Hola Town.

The compensation programme underscores the Government’s continued commitment to supporting affected communities while fostering coexistence between people and wildlife.

Its here, tomorrow at Hola Stadium,Tana River County

Taking advantage of the ongoing rains and in support of the Presidential Directive of by 2032, the State Department for Wildlife once again embarked on a restoration mission at Ndaragwa Forest.

Strategically located near Lake Ol’bolossat in Nyandarua County, Ndaragwa Forest forms a critical ecological link with the Aberdare ecosystem, playing a key role in feeding the Ewaso Nyiro River.

However, the forest faces significant degradation, with approximately 500 hectares of landscape in urgent need of restoration. Through sustained reforestation efforts, this initiative aims to revive the forest’s ecological integrity, enhance water catchment functions, and support biodiversity conservation.

In tandem, the State Department is committed to restoring Lake Ol’bolossat to its lost glory, even as stakeholders join hands to rehabilitate degraded and encroached landscapes within its catchment.

During today’s exercise, 10,000 indigenous tree seedlings were planted in the Muruai Primary School area. The exercise was led by Dr. John Chumo and brought together key partners including NGAO led by the area DCC, KWS, KFS, KEFRI, and the Muruai Community—demonstrating the power of collaboration in environmental restoration.

This ongoing commitment underscores the importance of collective action in restoring Kenya’s forests and securing a sustainable future for generations to come

Dr. John Chumo, the Conservation Secretary, today led a team from the State Department for Wildlife, in collaboration with the Miritini Community and Kenya Forest Service, in planting 5,000 mangrove seedlings at Port Reitz Creek in Mombasa County.

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to restore coastal ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience through community-driven conservation. Mangroves play a critical role in protecting coastlines from erosion and storm surges, while also serving as vital breeding and nursery grounds for fish and other marine life that support local livelihoods.

In addition, mangrove forests are among the most effective natural carbon sinks, significantly contributing to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. Their restoration not only improves water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping sediments, but also revitalizes degraded habitats along Kenya’s coastline.

The involvement of the Miritini Community underscores the importance of partnerships in conservation, ensuring sustainable management and long-term protection of these critical ecosystems.

This effort also contributes to the Presidential directive on the initiative by 2032, reaffirming the State Department for Wildlife’s commitment to scaling up ecosystem restoration and securing a more resilient future for both people and wildlife.