Compensation bill stands at Ksh I billion, our budget is 277 million- admits Balala

Tourism CS Najib Balala photo (File)

By Kombe Mwarandu

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has reiterated its commitment to compensate Kenyans affected by wildlife but admits underfunding by government.

“Some are taking advantage of this. We have a team that will look into the whole issue and only genuine people will receive compensation” Balala warned

Speaking to the media in Mombasa on Wednesday Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala however said the human wildlife conflict bill stands at Kshs 1billion while the ministry is operating on a budget of Ksh 277 billion.

“I want to be understood here, wildlife do not belong to the CS. It belongs to all of us as Kenyans. Kenyans must be responsible” the CS noted

He says the ministry has been allocated a total of 277 million adding that it is a challenge to the entire process.

The ministry has however cautioned Kenyans against taking advantage of the initiative.

The CS says there is a need to address the issue of human wildlife conflict compensation.

“The bill stands at 1 billion while our budget is 277 million. This is where the challenge is. There is a need for the ministry to carry out compensation to the genuinely affected”

On the issue of travel ban issued by the United States of America following the terrorist attacks recently, the tourism boss accused foreign embassies on claims of blowing up proportions.

Balala further appealed to the embassies to collaborate with the ministry in a bid to address such challenges.

“Terrorism is an international issue. I appeal to embassies to work together with the ministry. It is no use blowing out figures. This has a negative effect on our economy as a country” he said

The tourism ministry boss noted that such travel advisories not only affect the tourism sector economy at large.

He urged Coast counties to proactively address challenges facing tourism in the region.

Mr Balala lauded efforts by the Coast counties in dealing with challenges emanating from the tourism sector.

Comments

Involve all stakeholders when proposing new laws- BOTTAX General Secretary petitions government

BOTTAX General Secretary Cynthia Wanyonyi Photo (courtesy) BY PETER KOMBE Kenya Boda Boda Tuk Tuk and Taxi Workers Union (BOTTAX Kenya) has faulted the government on claims of passing bills that do not favor the transport sector. Speaking to the media in Mombasa on Monday the union’s General Secretary Cynthia Wanyonyi said in most cases the government does not involve boda boda Tuk Tuk and other informal transport worker's representatives. She further noted that as stakeholders in the public transport sector the government fails to carry out effective public participation exercises as enshrined in the Kenyan constitution. “The government does not involve the public when making certain decisions,” she noted. Wanyonyi urged both the operators to register with the union to avoid being misled by what she claims are quack organisations. She urged the department concerned with registering cooperatives and other associations touching on the informal trans...

Invest more in reproductive health budget- activists petition Mombasa county government

By M warandu Randu Human rights crusaders championing for youth rights have called on the Mombasa county government to pump in more funds in the health kitty in order to boost reproductive health amongst the youth. Addressing journalists in Mombasa on Wednesday during an engagement forum organized by Dream Achievers Youth Organization, DAYO, Sheenan Mbau, an activist from the Centre for the Study of Adolescence, CSA said accessing information regarding reproductive health among the youth is still a challenge. “I’m urging the county government of Mombasa to invest more in the health budget. We know that the county has done so well but some more funds are needed to boost the reproductive health kitty for the youths” Ms Mbau explained She however lauded the strides made by the county government in the development and implementation of the youth strategy launched recently by the county. The activist noted that there is a need for the county government to cons...

Lobbyists accuse government of delaying launch of 2018 School Health Policy

Right DAYO Director Seif Jira flanked by Mombasa Youth Advisory council President Juliet Akumu Photo By Peter Kombe BY PETER KOMBE Human rights crusaders working around the 2018 School Health Policy (SHP) are accusing the government on claims of delaying its launch. The 2018 SHP according to the activists is ready for a mega launch after thorough review by both state and non-state actors. Speaking to the media at Mid View Hotel Nyali on Friday, Benson Chakaya a Right Here Right Now national coordinator says civil society organisations have been spending sleepless nights, jointly with government in order to realize the fruits of the SHP. “The government should launch this policy we have been working up and down to ensure that this policy sees the light of day,” he said. According to him Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu counties lead other counties in teenage pregnancy. The activists says the 2009 school health policy was in comprehensive enough to addre...

PWANI MEDIA NETWORK (K)

Search This Blog