GOVERNMENT TO FAST-TRACK WILDLIFE COMPENSATION, SAYS CS MURKOMEN

The national government is set to implement swift compensation measures for individuals affected by human-wildlife conflict, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.

Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama tour of the Lower Eastern Region, CS Murkomen assured residents that those injured or killed by wildlife, as well as those whose property is destroyed, will soon receive faster compensation.

The announcement came in response to growing public concern and appeals from local administrators who attended the forum.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr echoed the call, urging the national government to provide additional support to wildlife officers in the county.

He lauded the officers for their exemplary work in resolving conflicts and maintaining peace in wildlife-prone areas.

Governor Mutula also raised alarm over rising cases of vandalism targeting both county and national development projects.

He singled out Kilome Sub-county as the most affected, revealing that the county had suffered losses amounting to Ksh 55 million due to destruction of public assets.

In response, CS Murkomen pledged tough action against those found culpable, warning that the government would not tolerate criminal sabotage of development initiatives.

To enhance efficiency in crime reporting and response, the CS also announced plans to digitize police Occurrence Books (OBs), allowing citizens to report crimes remotely from any location.