Govt to Compensate Kenyans Injured or Killed by Fish
The government, using a revision to the 2013 Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, aims to initiate the implementation of compensation for injuries or fatalities resulting from fish-related incidents.
Even though the proposals have been discussed for an extended period, renewed discussions took place in Parliament on Wednesday, February 14. This occurred following the presentation of The Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023 by Lamu East MP Ruweida Mohammed during its first reading.
If approved by Parliament and endorsed by President William Ruto, certain types of fish will be added to the compensation list of the Kenya Wildlife Service.
“The principal object of this Bill is to include sharks, stone fish, whales and sting rays among the wildlife species in respect of which compensation as a result of death and injury may be paid,” the Bill reads in part.
Ruweida suggests that this measure will guarantee individuals residing near water bodies receive compensation for any harm or fatalities resulting from the specified species.
Currently, KWS provides compensation solely to Kenyan individuals who have suffered harm or fatality caused by seven specific wild animals.
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These include; elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, hyenas, crocodiles, cheetahs, and buffalo.
Following the amendment, sharks, stonefish, whales, and stings will promptly be included in the compensation list right after buffaloes.
In addition to providing compensation to Kenyans or their families in case of injury, KWS also offers compensation to individuals when their crops and property are damaged by wild animals.
KWS does not cover expenses resulting from harm caused by every type of wildlife. The compensation is limited to damage caused by specific animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, hyenas, crocodiles, cheetahs, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, elands, wildebeests, and wild dogs.
The legislation does not foresee any type of fish causing harm to crops and property or preying on livestock.
As per the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the National Government allocated Ksh908 million in 2023 to provide compensation for individuals in Kenya who suffered harm or property damage caused by wildlife.
Govt to Compensate Kenyans Injured or Killed by Fish
