A 16-year-old boy lost his life after he was trampled to death by an elephant in Kina, Garbatulla, Isiolo county.
The teen was attacked by the elephant on Monday, April 15, 2024, as he crossed a road where a herd of jumbos was grazing.
Authorities said the tragic incident happened in the Barambate area.
The body was moved to Nyambene Level Four mortuary for postmortem and later handed over to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
That same Monday, an elderly man lost his life after he was attacked by a buffalo in Taita Taveta County.
60-year-old man Richard Mwawasi was attacked by the beast at around 7 am on Monday in the Riflot area.
“Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries at Moi County Referral Hospital,” Voi Sub County police commander Ibrahim Dafalla said.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by communities near Tsavo National Park.
Ksh5 million compensation
President William Ruto on Friday, April 12, 2024, launched a compensation scheme for damages arising from human-wildlife conflict.
Speaking at Rumuruti Stadium in Laikipia County, the President said there were about 17,000 verified compensation claims worth Ksh7 billion for the period 2014-2023 but the government has since paid out Ksh4 billion to about 10,000 beneficiaries.
He directed the Ministry of Tourism to expedite compensation of the remaining 7,000 verified claimants at Ksh3 billion within the next 60 days.
Ruto said injuries from wildlife attacks will be paid out depending on the degree of harm inflicted by the animals.
The President said the government would pay Ksh5 million for deaths caused by elephants.
“We have also made changes, previously if someone got mauled to death by an elephant, compensation was Ksh200,000. We have now said if a citizen is killed by an elephant compensation is Ksh5 million,” Ruto said,
At the same time, the President announced that the government would erect 350km of electric fence around national parks and game reserves in six counties.
