KWS launches operation to capture hyenas after deadly attacks in Juja

Several fatal incidents have alarmed the community in recent months, culminating in the tragic death of a five-year-old boy, Njoroge Gitau, who was killed by a hyena on September 4th, 2024.

The KWS has mobilised additional specialised officers from Laikipia, Nakuru, and Nairobi to assist with the operation, which will be carried out around the clock.

Joseph Dadacha, Senior Assistant Director for the Central Rift Conservation Area, has been appointed by the KWS Director General to lead the effort.

Dadacha detailed the measures being implemented during a press briefing at Tropical Farm in Nyacaba, Juja Kiambu County.

“We have deployed tens of our officers drawn from different parts of the country. They have the relevant machinery to hunt down and capture the hyenas. They will have several camps in Juja and they will leave once the mission is complete,” he added.

The operation includes the use of advanced equipment such as night vision tools, traps, and luring devices to capture the hyenas.

Once captured, the hyenas will be relocated to areas far from human settlements to prevent further incidents.

In addition to capturing the animals, the KWS teams will conduct regular patrols to monitor hyena activity and respond swiftly to any reported sightings.

In a bid to prevent future encounters, the Kenya Wildlife Service will also engage local communities through awareness programs.

These programs will focus on educating residents about proper waste disposal practices and the importance of promptly reporting wildlife sightings.

Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has announced that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will initiate an inspection of local dumpsites and unattended quarry sites, which may serve as hyena hideouts.

This initiative aims to address environmental factors contributing to the hyena problem.

The situation reached a boiling point on Thursday when residents of Nyacaba blocked the Thika Superhighway for nearly two hours, protesting the hyena attacks and demanding immediate action.

The recent attacks have deeply impacted the community, underscoring the urgent need for effective wildlife management and safety measures.