By KPC Reporter
The Kenyan government is committed to ensure co-existence between communities and wildlife as firmly embodied in the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Strategic Plan 2024–2028.
In line to this target, KWS teams managed 3,857 incidents of human-wildlife conflict, which tragically included 40 human deaths and 77 serious injuries.
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“We also responded to 1,532 cases of crop damage and 632 incidents of livestock predation,” said Erastus Kanga who is the Director General, KWS.
“These figures are a stark reminder of the real human cost of Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC).”
He was speaking at Murera in Meru County during the issuance of cheques meant HWC compensation, an event that was attended by President William Ruto.
Kanga said KWS had intensified operations to prevent, mitigate and manage such conflicts.
Between January and March 2025, KWS teams conducted 2,412 problem-animal control patrols.
“We held 109 stakeholder meetings with local communities in these high-risk areas,” Prof Kanga said.
“We carried out 355 targeted wildlife drives to guide animals away from people’s farms, and we conducted 237 community conservation education sessions to inform and protect local residents.”
In addition, KWS has deployed a specialized Problem Animal Management Unit to respond rapidly to emerging threats and defuse conflicts on the spot.
“While compensation is critical, prevention remains our goal,” the Director General said.
“Under the National Human-Wildlife Coexistence Strategy and our reforms, KWS is investing in measures that stop conflict before it happens.”
KWS erects predator-proof bomas for communities, construct electric fences, install solar-powered predator deterrent lights, and construct water pans for use by wildlife and communities.
In addition, KWS supports alternative livelihoods for communities, such as beekeeping, fish farming, and fodder production, to help diversify household income.
“Combined with continuous training and early-warning systems, these measures keep communities and wildlife safer through innovation, planning, and partnership,” Prof Kanga said.
He said the government had made wildlife conservation a national priority, and funds have been made available to match that priority.
“Our conservation efforts are not solely about preserving wildlife; they are integral to empowering communities, creating employment, and fostering inclusive economic growth.”
