Ruto: Victims of animal attack to be compensated Sh3B within 60 days
Central
By
Daniel Chege
| Apr 12, 2024
President William Ruto has promised that the government will clear Sh3 billion compensation owed to victims of human-wildlife conflict within two months.
Ruto who spoke during the launch of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation and Compensation Scheme in Rumuruti Stadium, Laikipia County said the government has already paid Sh4 billion to over 10,000 victims.
“Over 17,000 cases have been verified, the remaining 7,000 victims will be compensated in 60 days,” said the President.
At the same time, the president said that compensation money for fatal ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/m/article/2000195404/why-there-is-human-wildlife-conflict-in-nairobi">wild animal attacks< will increase from Sh200,000 to Sh5 million.
READ MORE
Death toll rises to 11 in fierce eastern European storm
Trump and Harris attend 911 memorial after brutal debate
Former Harambee Stars player Collins Okoth fails to take plea in murder case
US scraps plea deal with 911 mastermind
Para athletes shine at Tunis Grand Prix
Italian Amos crowned 2023 East African Safari Classic Rally champion
“If a farmer is attacked and killed by an elephant, the government will compensate his or her family with Sh5 million,” he said.
The President added that those who suffer injuries from attacks will be compensated depending on the injuries sustained but the money will now range from Sh1 million to over Sh3 million.
According to Ruto, victims and their families will also have a new online platform to report incidents in a bid to ensure their compensation is within months and not years as has been the case in previous years.
The President said that the government has set aside Sh960 million this year to compensate the victims.
He said the money would be processed promptly through the digital system.
"We have seen our people suffer due to the wildlife attacks and we will compensate all of them,” he said.
Ruto also launched the Sh90 million Lariak forest electric fence. He said the 76-kilometer fence will protect farmers in the region from wildlife attacks.
He also promised to build 100 kilometers of electric fence to ensure there is no human-wildlife conflict. “In the next five years we should have fenced off the forests and all wildlife areas,” he said.
The government, Ruto said will employ 1,500 Game Rangers and deploy the majority of them to affected counties.
The government has set aside Sh25 billion to buy new equipment for officers tackling banditry and terrorism within the affected counties.
Ruto said they will add 250 more National Police Reserve (NPR) to the 360 deployed to Laikipia, with a plan to end insecurities within the county and its borders.
“I give you my word that we are going to secure Laikipia County as we have secured the other counties in Kenya,” said the President.
Ruto said that Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Isiolo, Turkana, Samburu, and Laikipia among other affected counties will not be left out.
“The noise you hear from bandits are the last kicks of dying horses. Let us work together. Do not hide criminals and bandits,” he warned.
Speaking on the="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001488640/dont-run-talk-to-it-kws-advises-kenyans-in-case-of-a-hyena-attack"> human-wildlife conflic Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu said the initiative was a new beginning for the locals. “We want to thank the government for taking care of the affected families who have suffered for long," noted Irungu.
Cheche: We have a big task at the World Cup next month
Under-17 team coach is however optimistic of good show at the Dominican Republic.
Arsenal focus on Atalanta ahead of Man City showdown
Arsenal have a tough schedule as they head to Manchester City after the trip to Italy.
KCB's Karan Patel focused on clinching Burundi Rally
The KCB Racing Team driver will be navigated by his long-time friend Tauseef Khan in their Skoda R5 car.
AFC Leopards to benchmark with Tanzanian giants, receive Sh2 million donation from Mudavadi
Kenya's oldest football club, AFC Leopards, is taking significant strides toward transforming its governance structure by sending its Corporate Task Force on a benchmarking tour of Tanzania.
Man City brace for Inter reunion as Akanji fears tough schedule
Defender Akanji says he is not a fan of the new Champions League model.