According to expert Jirmo Tuqa, the lion spotted near human settlements in Ongata Rongai might have been in pursuit of prey. Tuqa suggested on Thursday that the large feline could have been trailing herbivores migrating through the unfenced southern area of Nairobi National Park.
“Prey availability is a major factor in such circumstances. For Nairobi Park, it is a seasonal migration time for herbivores after such high rainfall. Carnivores normally track along with herbivores to the Kitengela, Kapiti, and Kajiado and further,” Tuqa said.
The expert, affiliated with the conservation NGO Nature Kenya, highlighted that it’s uncommon for a young female lion to be separated from its pride unless certain circumstances arise, such as giving birth in nearby thickets and facing food scarcity, which could lead to preying on domestic dogs.
The lioness was captured on CCTV footage scaling the perimeter wall of a private residence and seizing a dog in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Responding to the situation, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) deployed backup from the more experienced Problem Animal Management Unit.
As of that evening, KWS rangers were still in pursuit of the lioness.
Tuqa’s perspective aligns with that of the KWS, which noted that during heavy rains, herbivores tend to migrate toward human settlements like the larger Kajiado and its surroundings.
The ongoing rains have triggered significant wildlife displacement, increasing the risk of unexpected encounters between wildlife and communities in wildlife-prone areas. This migration is attributed to waterlogged grounds and excessively tall grass, providing ideal hideouts for predators.
“Consequently, carnivores also migrate in pursuit of herbivores, which are the primary food source for lions, 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.”
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) emphasized that over eighty percent of the perimeter of Nairobi National Park is fenced, ensuring that much of the city is protected from wildlife incursions.
The service assured residents that the Human Wildlife Conflict team, supported by the Problem Animal Management Unit, continues to patrol the area diligently. KWS also urged the public to remain cautious of misinformation or ‘fake news,’ citing recent incidents of alleged lion sightings near the Nairobi Women’s Prison along Lang’ata Road.
While the Problem Animal Management Unit teams promptly responded to these reports and conducted overnight patrols, investigations revealed that the reports were unfounded.
“KWS is beseeching the public to immediately and in detail report HWC incidents to our 24/7 toll-free line, 0800 597 000.”
The Nairobi National Park was gazetted in 1946 as Kenya’s first national park through Proclamation No. 48 of December 16.
It covers 117 kilometers square and is situated 10 kilometers south of Nairobi City Center.
The park borders Kajiado and Machakos counties to the south, and Machakos to the east and south-east.
