The recent incident where a hyena attacked and killed three sheep in Kaloleni C estate, Kivumbini Ward of Nakuru East sub county has spurred conversation on compensation issue among locals.

It is an incident that has also rekindled the scars that residents of estates bordering Lake Nakuru National Park have to live with.

Peter Odhiambo just like Margaret Nyokabi who lost her three sheep through the recent incident, recalls how he lost his 15 chickens to attack by baboons a year ago. The chickens were worth Sh 20,000.

Peter Odhiambo lost 15 chickens to a baboon attack in Kivumbini estate.

Photo credit: PRISTONE MAMBILI/MTAA WANGU

Read: Kivumbini residents in shock as hyena attacks, kills three sheep

Mr. Odhiambo who has lived in Kaloleni C estate for more than 15 years recalls how the baboons gave him sleepless nights.

Having reported to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) with no action, Odhiambo opted to have his poultry caged to avert more attacks.

"I am a victim of the attacks from wildlife having lost 15 chickens a year ago," he says during an exclusive interview with Mtaa Wangu on October 26, 2023.

Some meters from Odhiambo's place we meet Karen Olisa who is also a victim.

Karen Olisa whose vehicle was destroyed by baboons when they attacked her home in Kivumbini estate.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Karen says the baboons attacked, smashing the windscreen of her vehicle twice in 2017. She never received compensation from KWS.

"I used my own money around Sh 8,000 to replace the screen after the KWS told me they cannot pay for damage caused by baboons," she says.

Pauline Ojwang, a resident, recalls an incident where baboons attacked leading to an expectant mother to fall down leading to early delivery.

Pauline Ojwang, a resident of Kivumbini during an interview with Mtaa Wangu.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

She is quick to note that compensation remains but only a dream for the locals in the area.

Sentiments echoed by Brian Muturi who notes that the rising human-wildlife conflict calls for measures to be put in place.

Brian Muturi, a resident of Kivumbini during an interview.

Photo credit: PRISTONE MAMBILI/MTAA WANGU

"We need to have a conversation that will see this matter addressed once and for all," says Muturi.

Compensation cases

In an exclusive interview with Mtaa Wangu, Kivumbini Sub Location Assistant Chief Jane Muthoni admitted that there have been reported cases of human-wildlife conflict, attributing to the fact that the area borders the Park.

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The administrator says she has received several cases among them a case where a peanut hawker was attacked by a Bufallo and killed some two years ago.

Kivumbini Chief Jane Muthoni in her office during an interview with Mtaa Wangu.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Another incident is where a Flamingo Primary school pupil was attacked and sustained serious injuries in 2021 and now the recent incident where a hyena attacked and killed three sheep belonging to one of the locals.

According to the chief, the earlier cases have been addressed and compensation made.

She also points out that they are working closely with relevant authorities to see to it that Ms Margaret Nyokabi who lost three sheep is compensated.

"KWS has been following up on the issue of compensation. As an administrator, I also do follow up to ensure compensation like currently we are following on the recent case," she said.

Read: How Nakuru residents have found ways to co-exist with notorious baboons

The chief has also called on the KWS to work on the fence to ensure the animals do not leave the park.

"I think the KWS should also continue to sensitize the locals on safety and enhance patrols along the Park fence," said Chief Muthoni.

This even as residents are planning to petition the National Assembly to have the Kenya Wildlife Service Act amended to allow compensation for damage caused by all wild animals.

Animals covered in wildlife conservation Act

An officer from KWS who spoke to Mtaa Wangu on condition of anonymity admitted that indeed as per the Kenya Wildlife Conservation Act 2013, baboons are not among animals that can be compensated in case of damage.

The officer pointed out that the animals to be compensated include the Big 5 plus hyena.

Related: DTI: Village in Gilgil where wild animals and people co-exist

She pointed out that when it comes to baboons, the only solution is to have control measures.

"Baboons are not categorized for compensation under the act," she said.

At the same time, she appealed to locals bordering the park to be vigilant and report any roaming animal they spot via Nakuru station hotline number 0775680213.

pmambili@gmail.com

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Pristone Mambili