The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Thursday pledged to expedite and contain the surge in hyena attacks within Nairobi and its neighbouring counties.
In a statement, KWS announced it had already deployed a specialised team to manage the situation following the death of a 5-year-old boy in Juja, Kiambu County on September 4.
KWS therefore assured that it will take stringent measures to end the current human-wildlife conflict witnessed in Juja that has led to the death of several residents.
Following the Wednesday night incident, the service urged Kenyans to limit their movement in the night to avoid such attacks by wild animals.
Kenyans were also urged to dispose off their waste properly to avoid attracting hyenas and further refrain from tampering with traps set for the animals.
KWS also disclosed that its programme dubbed Ondoa Fisi, which was launched on August 8 this year, led to the successful capture of several hyenas.
According to the service, the initiative led to the successful capture and relocation of 38 hyenas and the sealing of 12 quarries used as hideouts by the animals.
"This operation was a buildup on a previous initiative from November 2023 to tackle rising hyena attacks," KWS noted.
KWS revealed it was committed to working with relevant authorities to address and rehabilitate abandoned quarries within Juja and ensure the safety of all residents.
"We remain steadfast in ensuring the safety and well-being of Kenyans and urge anyone who spots problematic wildlife to immediately report the sighting through the KWS 24/7 hotline," the wildlife service stated.
The intervention comes hours after residents of Juja started demonstrations after a 5-year-old boy was killed by the wild animals.
While protesting along the ever-busy Thika Highway, the locals called on the KWS to promptly address the menace.
According to a police report, the body of the deceased was discovered long after he had been killed and partially eaten up by the wild animal.
