In response to a series of deadly hyena attacks in Juja, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has launched an extensive operation to capture and relocate the aggressive animals. This action follows several fatal incidents, including the tragic death of a five-year-old boy, Njoroge Gitau, who was killed by a hyena on September 4, 2024.
To manage the crisis, the KWS has deployed additional specialized officers from Laikipia, Nakuru, and Nairobi to support the operation, which will be conducted around the clock. Joseph Dadacha, Senior Assistant Director for the Central Rift Conservation Area, has been appointed by the KWS Director General to oversee the effort.
During a press briefing at Tropical Farm in Nyacaba, Juja, Kiambu County, Dadacha outlined the measures being taken. “We have deployed dozens of officers from various parts of the country. They are equipped with the necessary machinery to track down and capture the hyenas. They will set up several camps in Juja and will only leave once the mission is complete,” he said.
The operation will utilize advanced equipment, including night vision tools, traps, and luring devices to capture the hyenas. Once captured, the hyenas will be relocated to remote areas away from human settlements to prevent further incidents. KWS teams will also conduct regular patrols to monitor hyena activity and respond quickly to any reported sightings.
To prevent future encounters, KWS plans to engage local communities through awareness programs. These programs will focus on educating residents about proper waste disposal and the importance of reporting wildlife sightings promptly.
Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has announced that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will conduct inspections 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 escalated on Thursday when residents of Nyacaba blocked the Thika Superhighway for nearly two hours to protest the hyena attacks and demand immediate action. The recent attacks have deeply affected the community, highlighting the urgent need for effective wildlife management and safety measures.
