William Ruto Says Kenyans Killed by Elephants to Get Ksh 5M: “Tumebadilisha Sheria”

• President William Ruto announced increased compensation for victims of human-wildlife conflict during the launch of a compensation scheme in Rumuruti
• Ruto highlighted changes in the law, raising compensation from KSh 200,000 to KSh 5 million for victims of fatal attacks
• The president outlined a graduated compensation system for survivors of animal attacks, with amounts ranging from KSh 2 million to KSh 4 million based on the severity of injuries
• He reiterated the government's commitment to addressing human-wildlife conflict, ensuring fair compensation for victims and survivors

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Laikipia - President William Ruto has affirmed his government's commitment to address cases of human-wildlife conflict.

The head of state said the move is aimed at enhancing tourism and guaranteeing the coexistence of nature and communities living near parks.

How will Ruto compensate victims of wildlife

During the commissioning of the Lariak Forest Wildlife Electric Fence and the launch of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Scheme in Rumuruti on Friday, April 12, Ruto said the government would pay victims of attacks by wild animals.

The head of state revealed that, unlike previous years, the national government had increased the compensation amount.

He said the constitution had been amended so that victims could receive KSh 5 million, up from KSh 200,000.

"We have now changed the law. Previously, if someone was killed by an elephant, they were paid KSh 200,000. We have stated that as the government now if a citizen is killed by an elephant or any other animal, we will pay them KSh 5 million," he said.

Willam Ruto on survivors of animal attacks

The head of state further explained that they had introduced a system for compensating those who survived attacks.

Ruto stated that as long as the victims were still alive then, the government would compensate them for their injuries.

"Furthermore, in cases where a citizen is injured by an elephant, we have introduced a graduated system. Some will be paid KSh 3 million, others KSh 2 million, and if the injury is more severe, we will increase it to KSh 4 million, as long as you are still in the area, we will handle you," he added.