Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary(CS) Peninah Malonza has affirmed that wild attack victims in Kitui County will be compensated Kes 129.8 million.

Speaking when she appeared in Parliament to answer questions regarding her ministry, she noted that out of Kes 129.8 million, which represents 129 claims, victims will be paid Kes 52.86 million initially between July and August this year.

“The balance of 29 claims valued at Kes 76,948,048 will be paid from the Kshs.1.1billion received in the Financial Year 2023/2024,” CS Malonza said.

As more wildlife-human conflicts occur, the state is forced to pay more compensation.

Experts attribute the problem to humans encroaching on animals' territory, which has resulted in numerous attacks, the destruction of property, and the loss of lives.

The CS informed lawmakers that her ministry has earmarked Kes 50 million from the Tourism Promotion Fund to fence the Kitui South and Mwingi North reserve areas to decrease such incidents.

She suggested several short-term solutions, such as placing employees in all protected areas and working with partners to monitor or restrict wildlife invasion.

Others include the creation of neighbourhood conservation areas, the provision of water in wildlife refuges, the capture and relocation of troublesome species, the use of technology to track the movements and activities of large mammals, and the payment of compensation claims.

Kenya boasts large swathes of animal parks that attract millions of tourists annually, generating billions of shillings for the government.

In the half-year to June of this year, Kenya earned Kes 116.2 billion from the tourism sector, according to the Kenya Tourism Board.