The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Thursday, May 23 issued an alert to residents of Rongai, Kitengela, and Athi Kapiti areas after a lioness was spotted in Ongata Rongai on Wednesday morning.
In a statement, KWS warned that the heavy rains have led to displacement of wildlife animals; both carnivores and herbivores which may result in human-animal conflict.
"Carnivores are migrating in pursuit of the herbivores, which are the primary food for lions and leopards and hyenas. This movement of carnivores leads to unfortunate incidents such as the regrettable predation on domestic dogs as seen on the CCTV footage," reads part of the statement.
Kenyans in Kajiado County especially those in the three areas above were urged to be on the lookout and take precautionary measures to avoid falling victim to the roaming animals.
Those living near Nairobi National Park were also advised to take caution.
Those in these areas were warned that wild animals had mapped out hideouts due to waterlogged grounds and long grass which may lead to unexpected encounters.
KWS revealed that only 80 per cent of the park is fenced and therefore several animals may be displaced.
On the lioness spotted in Rongai at night, KWS revealed that the agency had dispatched a Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) team to the area but the lioness was not in the vicinity. However, the team in liaison with the Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU) is still in the area to ensure residents safety.
KWS further suspects that the lioness has hidden its cubs in a different location and the multiagency team was in search of them to take them back to the park.
Kenyans were advised to share any information on wild animals in the streets with KWS through the provided contact details, Additionally, Kenyans were asked to avoid feeding on misinformation and rely on official information from the service.
Cases of wild animals being spotted in estates have been on the rise and in some instances have resulted in death. One of the main wild animals seen in estates is the hyena which has wreaked havoc in Kiambu County.
In December last year, a woman was mauled and killed by hyenas in the Weiteithie area in Kiambu County leading to demonstrations from the residents who were demanding that KWS take action promptly.
While responding to the growing concerns in January, KWS advised Kenyans to talk to the animal in case of an encounter. KWS asked the locals to also get rid of anything that may attract hyenas.
"Keep yourself calm while talking to it. Don't move away until the hyena is done and when you do continue to face its direction. Make loud noises, be aggressive and frightening as if you are going to attack," KWS advised.
