Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-07 11:58:53
At least 24 families in Homa Bay County are seeking compensation from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) after their kin were attacked by wild animals under different circumstances, resulting in deaths, injuries, and destruction of property. The families are requesting payment for their losses, and there are concerns from fishermen in the county that the payment process takes too long. These cases have been recorded over the past 12 months.
According to KWS county warden Jackson Kibor, the latest cases involve hippopotamus and crocodile attacks. The hippo attack occurred in Lambwe East location, Mbita Sub-county, last month, where a 41-year-old fisherman was attacked and injured while fishing at Kisaka beach. He survived the attack but sustained a broken arm. Another attack involving an 11-year-old pupil and a crocodile in Ndhiwa last week resulted in the tragic death of the child. KWS rangers later killed the crocodile in River Kuja and retrieved the child’s body after dissecting the reptile.
In addition to deaths and injuries, some families are seeking compensation after their crops were destroyed by animals. Most families seeking compensation for the destruction of crops have reported that their maize or other crops were eaten by monkeys and baboons.
Mr. Kibor stated that all 24 cases are currently before the county wildlife compensation committee for consideration. Five of the cases involve death, while the remaining 19 involve bodily injuries. He also acknowledged the increase in human-wildlife conflicts in the county, with 24 cases reported in one year.
Edward Oremo, the chairman of the County Beach Management Unit network, accused KWS of deliberately delaying the compensation process, stating that some families have lost hope as they waited for compensation. According to Oremo, some fishermen have been seeking compensation for more than 10 years.
To ensure a successful compensation process, Mr. Kibor emphasized the proper filing of documents, including medical and police reports. He advised people living close to wildlife habitats to exercise caution when carrying out their daily activities, and stated that KWS will continue to hold sensitization meetings with different communities to teach them how to coexist with wildlife. However, he cautioned the families that not all cases of deaths, injuries, or crop destruction warrant automatic compensation.
The families affected by these wildlife attacks are urging the KWS to expedite the compensation process to alleviate their suffering and provide them with the necessary support in the aftermath of these traumatic events.
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