Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has said his administration is fully committed to addressing human-wildlife coexistence as well as mitigating climate change impacts that worsen conflicts.
Speaking during the pass-out ceremony of KWS rangers at the Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani, Taita Taveta, Ruto outlined measures the government has so far made to reduce such conflicts.
He said they have invested in projects aimed at providing water for wildlife in protected and conservation areas, mitigating dehydration during droughts, and reducing human-wildlife conflicts caused by animals seeking water in settled areas.
“For the first time, the government is directly supporting community conservancies with infrastructure projects, such as roads and water supplies for communities, livestock, and wildlife,” he said.
According to the president, they are also currently undertaking a nationwide fencing programme, starting with the Lariak Forest in Laikipia County.
In Taita Taveta, Ruto said they have commissioned key fencing projects, including the Rombo-Ziwani fence spanning 42 km, the BuraKasigau fence covering 25 km, and the KasigauIzera-Risinga fence extending 38 km.
On compensation to victims, the Head of State disclosed that the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife disbursed Sh908 million in the 2022-23 financial year.
“In 2023-24 financial year, I officiated the release of Sh950 million in Rumuruti, Laikipia County,” he said adding that Sh1.1 billion is being disbursed in this financial year.
During the event, Ruto presented a cheque of Sh51 million Taita Taveta County for the compensation programme.
To enhance efficiency, Ruto pointed out that they have introduced a digital fund administration system for the timely compensation of human-wildlife conflict victims.
“This innovation, aligned with our BETA agenda, leverages the digital superhighway to significantly advance human-wildlife coexistence initiatives,” he said.
Ruto told the new rangers to build their professions, they must do so boldly and in transformative ways to inspire the coming generations.
He insisted that they must be guided by wisdom and always strive to do things that will always be remembered by those who will come after them.
“As you build your careers marked by heroic achievements strive to perform bold, imaginative and transformative deeds that will inspire many in this generation and the generations to come,” he said.
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