Two people have lost their lives in separate elephant attacks in Isiolo and Kwale counties, raising fresh concern over increasing human-wildlife conflict.
In Kwale County, a community scout was killed by an elephant in the Samburu area along Mackinnon Road. The incident reportedly occurred within a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) premises as the man was heading to the kitchen.
Witnesses indicated that the elephant had been roaming around the area for some time before launching the attack. The victim died on the spot, and the elephant fled immediately after.
Police and KWS officials visited the location soon after. The body was taken to a nearby mortuary for a postmortem, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
In another incident in Isiolo County, a 16-year-old boy was trampled to death by an elephant while herding livestock in the Nasuru Conservancy. KWS officers and police reported that the attack took place near the Ewaso Nyiro River.
These tragedies come just weeks after a man in Kitui was also killed in August when elephants invaded his farm and trampled him.
Compensation and Prevention Measures
Authorities have advised the affected families to apply for compensation under the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme.
The government launched the third phase of the programme in May 2025 to ensure families affected by wildlife attacks receive financial support.
President William Ruto officially unveiled the initiative at Meru National Park, alongside the Wildlife Conservation Card, which is designed to raise funds for wildlife protection and sustainability.
During the launch, the President stressed the importance of both compensation and preventive action.
“Compensation is justice, but prevention is progress,” Ruto noted, calling for long-term solutions that protect both communities and wildlife.
He added that fencing, community involvement, and tourism projects could help reduce deadly encounters.
“Through the Conservation Card, fencing, and community-led tourism, we are turning conflict into opportunity,” he said.
The recent attacks have triggered renewed calls for stronger protection measures in conservation areas and better coordination between wildlife authorities and local communities.
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