The Government has been asked to include monkeys and snakes among species eligible for compensation in the proposed Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (CAP 376).
During a public participation review of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, participants from Kakamega and Vihiga counties raised concern over widespread destruction of their crops by monkeys and snake bites, yet they never received any compensation from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
They complained that under the proposed Wildlife Conservation and Management Act’s Third Schedule that defines the wildlife species for which compensation is to be paid in cases of human injury or death and for livestock, crop damage or property caused by wildlife, other wild animals that cause destruction have not been included.
The Act lists elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, hyenas, crocodiles, hippopotamuses and wild dogs as those eligible for compensation under the regulations but excludes monkeys and snakes.
Herbart Ahanya from Emuhaya Sub County in Vihiga County complained that despite there being no game reserve in their locality, monkeys have continued to pose a significant threat to food security due to damage to their crops, thus leading to reduced yields.
“The Bill should address the issue of translocating the monkeys to Kakamega forest”, he said.
His sentiments were echoed by senior chief Wycliffe Kombo from Navakholo sub county, Chief Francis Kelu from Butere Sub County and a resident Justus Mukesh.
Martin Kogi from Matungu subcounty, in Kakamega County said hippopotamus from River Nzoia have caused huge crop damage by eating and trampling on crops, leading to losses.
Participants asked that the County Wildlife Compensation Committee (CWCC) be revived and decentralised in order to carry out claim assessments and make the process more accessible and transparent.
Deputy Director Wildlife Conservation Eric Agunja said the main objective of the Bill is to enhance sustainable utilization of wildlife.
He said the review seeks to realign it with the constitution, taking into consideration the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government, addressing emerging issues in the wildlife sector such as climate change, restructuring wildlife conservation, protection and management in Kenya and providing legal clarity and certainty in governance within the wildlife sector.
The bill spells out stiffer penalties against pollution of ecosystems, bushmeat trade, violation or altering of management plans, trade in critically endangered wildlife species or impersonation of KWS officers.
Fines range from two million shillings to 10 years’ imprisonment or both.
The Bill also proposes to create Kenya Wildlife Regulatory Authority to regulate the wildlife sector, the Kenya Club of Kenya to provide youth education and awareness in wildlife conservation and the National Wildlife Tribunal to adjudicate environmental disputes.
KWS, mandate will remain to conserve and manage Kenya’s Wildlife, enforce related laws and protect national parks, reserves and sanctuaries.
By Jedidah Mumia and James Ingusu
