Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua on Tuesday, January 30 defended President William Ruto‘s efforts to turn around the economy, telling off critics.
Speaking during the induction of community wildlife conservation committees at the Bomas of Kenya on Tuesday, Dr. Mutua castigated what he called “pessimists” who continuously paint a negative picture of the country’s economic situation.
The CS reiterated that the Kenya Kwanza administration had inherited an economy in intensive care adding that some of those condemning the Government’s projects are supposed to be in jail as they were accountable for the looting in the treasury.
“Some of those criticizing the Government’s economic policies ought to be in jail as they were responsible for the looting that went on at the treasury during and shortly after the electioneering period,” Dr Mutua said.
Alfred Mutua on struggling economy
Dr. Mutua emphasized that the government, under President William Ruto, inherited an economy in dire straits, and the harsh measures taken were essential to prepare the ground for recovery.
“President William Ruto had to clear the Kenyan farm and ready it for planting when he took power. He has now planted, and weeding is currently underway. Kenyans should be patient as we wait for the harvest,” said Dr. Mutua, urging citizens to trust the process.
Dr. Mutua further highlighted the collaborative effort between the government and local communities through wildlife conservation committees to enhance conservation.
“As part of their conservation efforts, the Ministry is piloting a new wildlife claims administration scheme to streamline the compensation process for victims of human-wildlife conflict,” he said.
The pilot program will be conducted in six counties, namely Narok, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Meru, Baringo, and Laikipia. The restructuring aims to address the slow pace and manual nature of processing claims, with a key focus on digitizing human-wildlife conflict data.
Also Read: Alfred Mutua Announces Free Entry to All National Parks
Funds For Compensation
Dr. Mutua also disclosed that the government has allocated significant funds for compensation, with 908 million shillings already paid out for the financial year 2023/2024, and an additional 950 million earmarked for the upcoming financial year.
“In a bid to support local community conservancies, the ministry is investing in infrastructure, including water and roads, with 500 million shillings set aside for these initiatives in the current financial year,” Dr. Mutua assured, adding that this scope would be expanded in the next financial year.
Also Read: CS Mutua Reveals New Plan to Attract Tourists & Investors
The CS said the Government is embarking on the development of an integrated policy on natural resource management with all stakeholders in the conservation sector.
“We are also soon embarking on the public participation process of the wildlife conservation and management bill 2024.
The bill once enacted into law, will replace the Wildlife conservation and management Act 2013, which had many gaps and challenges,” said the CS.
The CS was also accompanied by Principal Secretary Ms. Silvia Museiya and Director General Dr. Erustus Kanga of the Kenya Wildlife Service.
