The amended Kenya Wildlife Service laws involving wildlife compensation indicate that snake bite cases will not be compensated.
Speaking to KNA yesterday in her office, Malindi and Magarini Kenya wildlife service (KWS) Senior warden Mrs. Jane Gitau said the compensation that was benefiting snake bite victims would be no more following the amendment of the law.
Mrs. Gitau identified areas such as Garashi, Kakuyuni, Kakoleni, Sabaki, Muyeye and Malindi town in Kilifi County as leading in snake attacks.
“Last month, we received two cases of snake attacks, one from Sabaki and the other from Kakuyuni; the case in Kakuyuni a snake had invaded someone’s homestead but did not harm anyone,” said Mrs. Gitau.
She also said for many people in Sabaki and Kaloleni, their homesteads were surrounded by bushes that encouraged the harbouring of snakes.
“The survey done by KWS on the cases reported last year indicates that youth and young children form a bigger percentage of victims of snake bites,” Mrs. Gitau added.
The KWS warden called on the residents to clear bushes around their homesteads to avoid snakes finding hideouts near their residences.
However, Mrs. Gitau revealed that currently, snake bite cases in Kilifi County have reduced by 90 percent.
In reaction, MCA Kakuyuni ward Mr. Nixon Muramba blamed the government for amending the Laws on wildlife compensation that omitted snake bite victims.
Muramba said he would consult with other members of the Kilifi County Assembly with the aim of petitioning against the amendment that has denied the rights of snake bite victims which were common in his ward.