Residents of Meru County who have long borne the brunt of human-wildlife conflict have a reason to smile after the national government released Sh950 million to compensate victims of wildlife-related losses.
The announcement was made during this year’s World Wildlife Day celebrations held at Ndoleli Primary School in Antubetwe Kiongo Ward, Igembe North Constituency.
The event was organised by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in collaboration with the Born Free Foundation.
Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma, who was the chief guest, assured residents that the compensation process would be transparent and follow due procedure.
He urged victims to report incidents truthfully and warned chiefs and agricultural officers against colluding with residents to inflate claims.
“There is a clear process in reporting and compensation. You will receive your money, but ensure you use it wisely,” said Ouma.
Meru county commissioner Ouma Jacob with the senior KWS wardens during World Wildlife Day at Ndoleli primary school in Igembe North on Tuesday March 3,2026./KNAHe revealed that 42 kilometres of electric fencing have been constructed around the park to mitigate conflicts and urged residents to keep a safe distance from roaming elephants.
Chiefs were also asked to work closely with wardens to ensure affected residents submit correct bank details to facilitate compensation.
Antubetwe Kiongo MCA Henry Maore called on KWS to fast-track compensation for crop destruction and demanded accountability in employment, compensation, and project implementation.
He decried the non-employment of local youths within KWS and called for greater inclusion.
On behalf of Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu, Mugambi Ronald reiterated the need for timely compensation and stronger collaboration between the community and conservation agencies.
Conservation and Community at the Centre of the day’s theme focused on medicinal and aromatic plants.
Deputy Managing Director Edward Mburu emphasised the crucial role medicinal trees play in human health and called for their preservation for future generations.
KFS County Warden Wellington Ndaka highlighted the ambitious tree-growing initiative targeting 36 million trees in Meru County as part of the national one-billion-tree campaign. He noted that 11 million trees are expected to be planted before May this year.
The Born Free Foundation representative stressed that the community remains central to conservation, noting that the organization works closely with schools and community groups within Meru National Park to promote environmental stewardship.
Sub-County Director of Education Barack Ouri, representing the County Director of Education, lauded conservation partners for supporting infrastructure development in schools and conducting sensitization programmes on environmental conservation.
Calls for Sustainable Solutions Community representative Zakayo Gitonga requested the construction of a dam within the elephant maternity area to provide water for both wildlife and residents during dry seasons. He said lack of water and food has worsened conflicts as elephants stray into farms in search of resources.
Rev. Joel Mutuma Muungania, speaking on behalf of religious leaders, reminded residents that caring for animals and trees is a divine responsibility.
“God expects us to take care of animals and trees,” he said.
The solar-powered borehole project in the area was also highlighted as a key intervention, though leaders called for increased employment opportunities for local youth in conservation projects.
The celebrations brought together conservation agencies, local leaders, education stakeholders, and residents in a renewed commitment to balancing wildlife protection with community livelihoods.
As compensation funds begin to flow, residents now look forward to a future where coexistence between humans and wildlife is not only peaceful but mutually beneficial.
