NAIROBI,Kenya,Jun 26— The Government has disbursed KSh 49.8 million in compensation to 187 victims of human-wildlife conflict in Kajiado County, reinforcing its commitment to protecting livelihoods in communities that live alongside Kenya’s wildlife.

The compensation cheques were presented on Friday in Kimana Town during a ceremony led by Secretary Administration Tobiko, who represented State Department for Wildlife Principal Secretary Silvia Museiya.

Also present were representatives from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), led by Amboseli National Park Warden Paul Wambi, National Government Administration Officers headed by Loitoktok Deputy County Commissioner Tonui, and members of the local community.

The State Department for Wildlife said the compensation is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to cushion families affected by wildlife-related incidents while promoting peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.

“Kajiado County is home to some of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife landscapes and a rich cultural heritage that continues to drive conservation and tourism. As communities living alongside wildlife play a vital role in safeguarding this natural heritage, the Government remains committed to ensuring they are not left to bear the cost of conservation alone,” the department said.

The department noted that the payout demonstrates the Government’s resolve to mitigate the impact of human-wildlife conflict by restoring livelihoods and strengthening trust between conservation agencies and local communities.

Officials said compensation remains a critical component of Kenya’s broader conservation strategy, particularly in wildlife-rich counties such as Kajiado, where encounters between people and wild animals frequently result in loss of life, injuries, crop destruction, livestock deaths and property damage.

The Government reiterated that sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflict will continue to be pursued alongside timely compensation to affected families.

“As we continue implementing sustainable solutions to Human-Wildlife Conflict, we reaffirm our commitment to building a future where people and wildlife coexist peacefully, ensuring that Kenya’s rich biodiversity remains a source of opportunity, resilience, and pride for generations to come,” the State Department said.

Kajiado County hosts globally renowned conservation areas, including the Amboseli ecosystem, where communities play a crucial role in wildlife conservation while bearing the challenges associated with living near protected habitats.