LODWAR — Dozens of families in Turkana County are set to receive long-delayed compensation after the government began addressing 103 unresolved human-wildlife conflict claims. The process, stalled for years, includes cases involving death, injuries, livestock attacks, and destruction of crops.
County Commissioner Julius Kavita and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) County Warden Elijah Chege led a meeting with the county wildlife compensation committee on Tuesday. The session marked a key step in clearing backlogged claims some dating as far back as 2014.
“Out of the 103 cases, 35 are old claims, while 68 are new and had never reached the committee,” Kavita said.
He confirmed that the government remains committed to compensating victims but urged claimants to provide complete and accurate documentation. Some past delays, he noted, resulted from missing police reports, photos, or incomplete KWS claim forms.
“Compensation cannot be processed without proof of incident. That includes official reports from the police and administrative officers,” Kavita reiterated.
To streamline future claims, the commissioner asked committee members to educate residents on current legal requirements. He reminded them that snake bites are no longer eligible for compensation under the revised Wildlife Conservation and Management Act.
KWS County Warden Elijah Chege emphasized the importance of honoring the struggles behind each claim.
“These files represent more than statistics. Behind each is a family that has suffered loss whether it’s a loved one, a source of income, or food security,” said Chege.
He assured residents that the KWS would handle every claim with transparency and urgency.
“We have a duty to balance wildlife protection with the real human cost these communities bear,” he said.
The committee is reviewing 15 cases of human death, 22 of serious injury, 37 involving livestock attacks, and 29 reports of crop damage.
Victims or their next of kin must submit fully completed KWS forms, police reports, and documentation from local administrators to qualify for compensation.
The review process is seen as a step toward rebuilding trust between affected communities and state agencies. Many victims have waited years for justice, in regions where wildlife frequently strays from protected areas in search of food and water.
Officials pledged to fast-track the process once all required evidence is submitted. The government has not disclosed the exact payout timeline but signaled that verified cases will receive priority in disbursement.
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