In Kenya, two separate incidents of human-wildlife conflict have led to the tragic deaths of two individuals in Kwale and Isiolo Counties. These fatalities highlight the growing tension between humans and wildlife, a problem that has been intensifying across the country.
The first incident occurred in Kwale County, where a wildlife scout, Chale Ngati, was killed by an elephant while walking near his home. The attack took place at the Mackinnon Road KWS area, where the elephant, which had been camping nearby, suddenly charged at Ngati, causing fatal injuries. The animal fled the scene shortly after the attack, and the authorities moved Ngati’s body to a local mortuary for further investigation.
Meanwhile, in Isiolo’s Nasuru Conservancy, a 16-year-old boy met a similar fate when he was trampled by an elephant while tending to livestock. The incident occurred near the Ewaso Nyiro River, and despite the efforts of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and police, the boy could not survive the attack. His body was also transported to the mortuary for an autopsy.
These two incidents, occurring within a single day, bring attention to the ongoing threat posed by wildlife, particularly elephants, to rural communities. Over the past months, human-wildlife conflicts have become increasingly common, with at least two such incidents reported each month. This trend is alarming and highlights the shrinking spaces where both humans and wildlife are forced to coexist, often leading to deadly encounters.
The situation has reached a point where some locals, frustrated by the recurrent attacks, have resorted to retaliatory measures, including poisoning wild animals. This further exacerbates the problem, not only jeopardizing the safety of wildlife but also threatening Kenya’s tourism industry, which heavily relies on its diverse wildlife.
To address this issue, the government has introduced several initiatives, including the third phase of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme. This program, launched in May 2025, aims to compensate families affected by wildlife attacks and fund conservation efforts. Alongside this, Kenya’s new Wildlife Conservation Card, introduced by President William Ruto, encourages both local and international communities to support wildlife preservation. A portion of each transaction made with the card contributes directly to conservation funds, helping to address the underlying causes of human-wildlife conflict.
With continued efforts like these, Kenya hopes to find a balance between protecting wildlife and ensuring the safety of its people, offering a more sustainable solution to this escalating problem.
