KWS Pays Sh73 Million to Compensate Wildlife Attack Victims in Siaya

NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has paid more than Sh73 million in compensation to victims of wildlife attacks in Siaya County, a parliamentary committee has been told.

Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Wildlife, KWS disclosed that it had settled 55 compensation claims worth Sh73.1 million out of 125 claims filed between 2014 and 2021.

The committee, chaired by Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, was informed that an additional 32 claims valued at Sh19.1 million have already been approved and are awaiting funding.

“Thirty-two other claims valued at Sh19,119,653 have been approved and are awaiting funding,” KWS told the committee.

According to the wildlife agency, 18 of the pending claims will be partially settled using funds allocated in the 2025/26 financial year amounting to Sh17.1 million.

KWS was responding to a request for a statement by Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda regarding the rising number of crocodile attacks along the lower reaches of River Yala in Bondo Constituency.

Ochanda expressed concern over increasing fatalities and injuries linked to crocodile attacks, accusing the agency of failing to adequately protect local communities.

“We have lost lives, and residents who survive crocodile attacks are left with life-threatening injuries. My concern is that KWS has focused on protecting the reptiles at the expense of my voters,” he said.

The legislator noted that residents of the area heavily depend on natural water sources, particularly River Yala and the Yala Swamp, bringing them into frequent contact with crocodiles and hippos.

He said the most affected areas include Yimbo East and North Yimbo wards in Usigu Sub-county, where cases of human-wildlife conflict have continued to rise.

Data presented to the committee showed that reported cases of human-wildlife conflict in the county increased from 131 in 2023 to 189 in 2025. Deaths resulting from crocodile attacks also rose from seven in 2024 to 12 in 2025.

Mbiuki termed the trend alarming and called on KWS to strengthen interventions aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict in the region.

“Cases of people losing their lives or suffering injuries from crocodile attacks are alarming and require a lasting solution,” he said.

The committee chairperson further assured victims that Parliament would continue pushing for adequate funding to support compensation programmes for those affected by wildlife attacks across the country.