Kakamega: The Government has been asked to include monkeys and snakes among species eligible for compensation in the proposed Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (CAP 376). During a public participation review of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, participants from Kakamega and Vihiga counties raised concern over widespread destruction of their crops by monkeys and snake bites, yet they never received any compensation from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
According to Kenya News Agency, the participants complained that the proposed Wildlife Conservation and Management Act’s Third Schedule, which defines the wildlife species eligible for compensation in cases of human injury or death and for livestock, crop damage, or property caused by wildlife, omits other wild animals like monkeys and snakes that cause destruction. The Act currently lists elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, hyenas, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and wild dogs as eligible for compensation under the regulations.
Herbart Ahanya from Emuhaya Sub County in Vihiga County expressed concerns that monkeys are a significant threat to food security due to crop damage, despite no game reserve being in their locality. He suggested that the Bill should consider relocating the monkeys to Kakamega forest. His concerns were supported by senior chief Wycliffe Kombo from Navakholo sub county, Chief Francis Kelu from Butere Sub County, and a resident, Justus Mukesh.
Martin Kogi from Matungu subcounty, in Kakamega County, highlighted the issue of hippopotamuses from River Nzoia causing significant crop damage by eating and trampling on crops, leading to financial losses. Participants requested the revival and decentralization of the County Wildlife Compensation Committee (CWCC) to facilitate more accessible and transparent claim assessments.
Deputy Director of Wildlife Conservation Eric Agunja stated that the main objective of the Bill is to enhance the sustainable utilization of wildlife. The review seeks to realign the Act with the constitution, considering the roles and responsibilities of different government levels, addressing emerging issues in the wildlife sector such as climate change, and restructuring wildlife conservation, protection, and management in Kenya. The Bill aims to provide legal clarity and certainty in governance within the wildlife sector.
The Bill proposes stiffer penalties against ecosystem pollution, bushmeat trade, violation or alteration of management plans, trade in critically endangered wildlife species, or impersonation of KWS officers, with fines ranging from two million shillings to 10 years’ imprisonment or both. Additionally, the Bill proposes the creation of the Kenya Wildlife Regulatory Authority to regulate the wildlife sector, the Kenya Club of Kenya to provide youth education and awareness in wildlife conservation, and the National Wildlife Tribunal to adjudicate environmental disputes. The mandate of KWS will remain to conserve and manage Kenya’s wildlife, enforce related laws, and protect national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.
