A tragic incident in Kinango, Kwale County, has highlighted the growing challenge of human–wildlife conflict in Kenya. A 25-year-old woman lost her life after being trampled by a herd of elephants in Musaroni village, Vigurungani.
The woman, identified as Pombe Nyawa, was traveling as a pillion passenger on a motorcycle alongside her husband when they encountered a herd of elephants blocking the road. According to reports, the elephants suddenly charged at them, prompting her husband, who was riding the motorcycle, to make an abrupt U-turn. In the process, the motorcycle overturned, throwing both riders to the ground.
In a bid to save their lives, the couple attempted to escape on foot, running in separate directions. Unfortunately, the elephants caught up with the woman and trampled her, killing her on the spot. Kenya Wildlife Service officers and police later arrived at the scene, and the body was moved to a nearby mortuary for post-mortem examination. Authorities advised the bereaved family to file a claim for compensation under the national Human–Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme.
The incident has sparked outcry among locals, with residents urging the government to take urgent measures to curb recurring elephant attacks. Villagers have called for better strategies such as fencing, enhanced patrols, and community awareness initiatives to prevent further loss of life.
Kenya has been grappling with increasing human–wildlife conflict as expanding settlements, agriculture, and infrastructure projects encroach on wildlife habitats. In May 2025, the government launched the third phase of its Human–Wildlife Conflict Compensation Programme. The initiative was designed to provide financial relief to families affected by such tragedies while also focusing on long-term coexistence strategies.
During the launch, a new Wildlife Conservation Card was unveiled as an innovative way to fund conservation. The card comes in three tiers—Platinum (Elephant), Gold (Lion), and Silver (Cheetah)—with a portion of every transaction going directly into the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund. The fund supports fencing projects, community-led tourism, and other conservation initiatives that aim to reduce conflict while boosting local economies.
This tragedy in Kwale underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions that protect both human lives and wildlife. By combining compensation with preventive measures, Kenya hopes to foster peaceful coexistence between communities and its treasured wildlife.
