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Taita Taveta snakebite survivors demand financial compensation
03rd August, 2026 03:06 PM
Residents and local leaders in Taita Taveta County are demanding that Parliament amend current wildlife laws so that snakebite survivors can receive financial compensation from the government.
The call comes as families across the region continue to suffer painful injuries and high medical bills following snake attacks, with no government financial support available to ease their burden.
Under present wildlife regulations, people bitten or killed by snakes are excluded from state compensation schemes.
Push for law change
Speaking during a local engagement, Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime highlighted the gap in the law, explaining that snakes were previously covered under wildlife legislation before lawmakers removed them.
He noted that the provision was dropped after authorities cited an overwhelming number of snakebite cases across the country.
“I was saying that snakes used to be included in the law, but that provision was removed on the grounds that snake-related deaths were too frequent,” Mwadime said.
“I would ask that lawmakers reinstate that law because just recently at my residence, I found a huge snake and called the Kenya Wildlife Service. If it had killed my goat or bitten someone, there would be no compensation at all.”
Mwadime stressed that the lack of legal recognition leaves many families struggling on their own whenever attacks happen, as medical treatment for severe snakebites remains out of reach for many ordinary Kenyans.
Government strategy to reduce conflicts
Responding to the leaders’ concerns, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano promised that the national government will work closely with county officials to address the root causes of human-wildlife conflict.
Miano explained that water scarcity often drives wild animals out of protected areas and into human settlements. She assured residents that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) will partner with the local administration to construct reliable water sources.
“We will look into the water issues,” Miano said. “Our governor has briefed us on the need for reliable water sources beyond basic boreholes. We will instruct our agency to sit together with the county government so we can deliver on those needs.”
While the proposed water projects aim to keep wild animals inside reserves, residents and local leaders maintain that amending the law remains the fairest solution for snakebite survivors seeking justice.
