Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has instructed the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to take immediate action to prevent further hyena attacks in Juja, Kiambu County. Expressing concern over the alarming situation, Miano has directed KWS rangers to increase patrols in the affected areas.
“My ministry is dedicated to valuing every human life as it should be,” Miano stated.
Her directive comes in response to a rise in hyena attacks in Juja, with residents urging authorities to act swiftly to address the crisis.
On Thursday, KWS expressed deep regret over the tragic death of a five-year-old child due to a hyena attack on the evening of September 4, extending their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
The KWS is intensifying its efforts to manage human-wildlife conflicts in the region. “Wildlife management is challenging, especially as a significant portion of wildlife lives outside protected areas, often seasonally.”
Operation Ondoa Fisi-2, which began on August 8, is a continuation of a previous initiative launched in November 2023 to address the surge in hyena attacks. Since the operation’s inception, KWS has tracked, captured, and relocated 38 hyenas and sealed 12 quarries used by the animals.
A specialized team has been deployed to handle the current situation in two phases: managing the hyenas and engaging with the community to provide safety education. The agency advises the public to limit nighttime movement, properly dispose of waste to avoid attracting hyenas, and avoid interfering with traps set for the animals.
KWS remains committed to collaborating with relevant authorities to rehabilitate abandoned quarries in Juja and ensure resident safety. They encourage anyone encountering problematic wildlife to report sightings immediately via the KWS 24/7 hotline at 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp number +254 726 610 509.
Hyena attacks in Juja have been reported since June 2021, with incidents including the attack on a drunken man, the mauling of three people in February 2022, and the death of a Grade 3 boy in September 2022. On December 2, 2023, a middle-aged woman was killed by hyenas, and residents even blocked police from retrieving her body, demanding that the hyenas be dealt with first. On November 20, 2023, a 10-year-old child was killed by hyenas in Weteithie. The rising frequency of these attacks has left residents fearful, limiting their movement during evenings, late nights, and early mornings to avoid the dangerous animals.
