Lamu East Residents Decry Delayed Compensation for Wildlife and Marine Attacks

Residents of Mkokoni in Lamu East Constituency have raised concerns over delayed compensation for victims of human-wildlife conflict, including attacks by marine animals.

The grievances were aired on Friday during a public forum organized by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife, led by Vice-Chairperson Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba. The team was hosted by area MP Ruweida Obo, who is also a member of the committee.

Ruweida urged residents to speak openly, noting that both farmers and fishermen in the region face unique challenges.

“You face a unique situation here because some of you are farmers and others fishermen—both on land and at sea you are affected by wildlife and marine animals,” she said.

Locals described loss of lives, destruction of farms, and permanent injuries caused by lions, buffaloes, snakes, sharks, stingrays, and other dangerous animals. They accused the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) of neglect, saying officers lack equipment and mobility to respond effectively.

“We have been greatly affected by wildlife, especially during drought when they wander in search of water and food. We request an electric fence and water pans to keep animals from destroying our farms,” said Obo Chanza, a resident.

Fishermen also said their plight has been ignored, with marine attacks excluded from compensation. “Why must they compensate someone bitten by a snake in the bush and refuse to compensate a fisherman bitten by a snake in the ocean? Marine animals like sharks and whales are equally dangerous,” said Bakari, a fisherman.

Residents said some claims have remained unresolved for over a decade. One case cited was that of a man who was bitten by a snake in 2015 and died years later without receiving compensation.

“Compensation bureaucracy is killing us. Our voices are ignored while focus remains only on forest wildlife. But for us, marine animals are just as deadly,” added MChanza.

Committee member and Mwatate MP Peter Shake pledged to escalate the concerns as part of the ongoing inquiry into human-wildlife conflict across the country.