PRESIDENT William Ruto LAUNCHES COMPENSATION DRIVE FOR HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT VICTIMS

GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO JUSTICE FOR FRONTLINE COMMUNITIES

INNOVATIVE FUNDING AND TECHNOLOGY TO BOOST WILDLIFE CONFLICT COMPENSATION PAYMENTS FROM PRESIDENT William Ruto

President william ruto has today announced a compensation initiative for communities affected by human-wildlife conflict. Speaking at meru national park, the president emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring dignity and delivering justice to frontline communities through timely payments and innovative funding mechanisms.

President william ruto has officially launched the disbursement of ksh950 million in compensation payments to communities affected by human-wildlife conflict. This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to address the challenges faced by residents living alongside kenya’s rich wildlife heritage.

“The initiative, a partnership between the state department for wildlife and kenya commercial bank, allows a portion of each transaction made by cardholders to be donated to the wildlife trust fund, transforming ordinary spending into a force for good,” he said.

President ruto highlighted the importance of restoring dignity and delivering justice to these communities, many of whom have suffered significant losses due to crop destruction, livestock predation, and even personal injuries caused by wildlife.

“Government should work towards ensuring that we pay the victims of human-wildlife conflict within four months,” he said.

“Citizens must see the benefits of wildlife,” he said

To ensure efficiency and transparency, the government is deploying advanced technology to eliminate delays and operationalizing the wildlife conservation trust fund, a sustainable financing vehicle supported by innovative funding mechanisms.

“We want to ensure kenyans are paid within the shortest time possible. This is why we have migrated the scheme from a manual to a digital platform,” he said.

Since 2018, the government has paid out over 4.8 billion shillings in compensation, with a significant portion disbursed under the current administration. However, a backlog of claims has persisted, prompting the need for this streamlined approach.

‘Two years ago, ksh 5.3 billion was collected from our parks. Last year, courtesy of digitisation, the revenue rose to ksh 7 billion. This year, i am told it will reach ksh 7.5 billion,’ he said.

This launch marks a critical step in ensuring that communities on the frontline of conservation efforts receive timely support, helping to balance wildlife protection with human welfare.

President ruto urged kenyans to continue registering for social health authority (sha), saying that the programme is working.

“Those who have the means are paying according to their ability. However, the government is paying for those who aren’t able,” president ruto pointed out.

The president also said the government will hire 24,000 more teachers this financial year, bringing the total of teachers recruited since he became president to 100,000.

Ruto cautioned against engaging in politics every time and instead focus on development, time for politics will come.

“There are people who want to engage us in politics all day, every day. We tell them the time for politics will come. For now, let us focus on development,” he said.