A 67-year-old woman was trampled to death by an elephant in Oldonyiro, Isiolo County, in the latest case of human-wildlife conflict near national parks.
The victim, identified as Limitian Lesingiran, was attacked while tending to her goats on September 26, 2025. Residents later discovered her body, which had been left buried in a ditch after the elephant fled. Her remains were moved to the mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials visited the scene and advised the bereaved family to pursue compensation. This incident adds to the growing list of fatal encounters between rural communities and wildlife living near protected areas.
Human-Wildlife Conflicts on the Rise
Communities living along the boundaries of national parks continue to face the threat of elephants, lions, and other wild animals straying into villages in search of food and water. Such clashes often result in loss of life, destruction of crops, and livestock killings, fueling tensions between locals and conservation authorities.
Government’s Compensation and Conservation Plan
To address these recurring tragedies, the Kenyan government rolled out the third phase of the Human–Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme in May 2025. Launched at Meru National Park, the initiative introduced the Wildlife Conservation Card, developed in partnership with KCB Bank.
Available in three tiers—Platinum (Elephant), Gold (Lion), and Silver (Cheetah)—the card channels a portion of every transaction directly to the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund. Funds are earmarked for fencing projects, community-led tourism, and victim compensation.
President William Ruto, speaking during the launch, emphasized:
“Compensation is justice, but prevention is progress.”
By creating sustainable solutions, the government hopes to reduce human-wildlife conflicts while ensuring communities benefit from conservation.
A Call for Coexistence
As conservation efforts expand, locals in Isiolo and other affected regions hope that stronger preventive measures will be implemented. The tragedy of Limitian Lesingiran underscores the urgency of balancing wildlife protection with the safety and livelihoods of communities living at the frontline of conservation.
