President William Ruto has affirmed his government’s commitment to address cases of human-wildlife conflict. William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua commissions the Lariak Forest Wildlife Electric Fence. The head of state said the move is aimed at enhancing tourism and guaranteeing the coexistence of nature and communities living near parks. How will Ruto compensate victims of wildlife During the commissioning of the Lariak Forest Wildlife Electric Fence and the launch of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Scheme in Rumuruti on Friday, April 12, Ruto said the government would pay victims of attacks by wild animals. The head of state revealed that, unlike previous years, the national government had increased the compensation amount. He said the constitution had been amended so that victims could receive KSh 5 million, up from KSh 200,000. “We have now changed the law. Previously, if someone was killed by an elephant, they were paid KSh 200,000. We have stated that as the government now if a citizen is killed by an elephant or any other animal, we will pay them KSh 5 million,” he said. Subscribe to watch new videos Ruto explains what will happen to survivors of animal attacks The head of state further explained that they had introduced a system for compensating those who survived attacks. Ruto stated that as long as the victims were still alive then, the government would compensate them for their injuries. “Furthermore, in cases where a citizen is injured by an elephant, we have introduced a graduated system. Some will be paid KSh 3 million, others KSh 2 million, and if the injury is more severe, we will increase it to KSh 4 million, as long as you are still in the area, we will handle you,” he added. 4 Kirinyaga women severely attacked by hyena Earlier in January, four residents of Kiamugumo village in Kirinyaga county were attacked by marauding hyenas. David Muriithi disclosed that the four women, Marion Wawira, Sicily Murugi, Toronto Macharia, and Susana Wawira, were picking tea when the animal appeared and brutally attacked them. They also urged the KWS to hasten and capture the animal roaming in tea bushes in the Gichugu sub-county. Additionally, the animal had created intense fear, making it difficult to take their children to school.
BY TUKO NEWS