- KWS on Wednesday said abandoned quarries could be providing hiding places for hyaenas to hide before launching attacks.
- Other reasons cited in a statement include improper disposal of livestock remains that attract hyaenas.
The Kenya Wildlife Service has listed a number of reasons that might be contributing to the surge in hyena attacks in Juja area.
KWS on Wednesday said abandoned quarries could be providing hiding places for hyaenas to hide before launching attacks.
Other reasons cited in a statement include improper disposal of livestock remains that attract hyaenas, unfenced dumping sites serving as feeding grounds, and large, unfenced, undeveloped land offering shelter to hyaenas.
"In response, KWS recommends immediate preventive measures, such as the restoration of abandoned quarries, fencing operational quarries and the Makongeni dumpsite, fencing abandoned or undeveloped private land, and enforcement of mining policies and regulations," KWS said.
KWS said adherence to livestock waste disposal regulations by the County Government of Kiambu is encouraged, along with the construction of hyaena-proof livestock pens, and the installation of residential area lighting.
KWS said human-wildlife conflict arises when human activities impact wildlife negatively or vice versa.
The service said the conflict in the country poses significant challenges, leading to injuries, fatalities, crop destruction, infrastructure damage, and disruption of human activities.
The service noted that there has been a surge in hyena attacks, especially in Juja.
"Regrettably, Juja sub-county in Kiambu has witnessed a surge in human-hyaena conflicts, resulting in the tragic loss of human life. Kenya Wildlife Service extends condolences to the affected families," KWS said.
The service said it promptly deployed the Problem Animal Management Unit upon receiving reports of conflicts, which strategically placed traps, initiated hyaena captures, and mobilised a veterinary unit to translocate and relocate the hyaenas from this human-dominated area.
"Efforts were concentrated in various locations within the subcounty, including Munyaka area, Theta ward, Mwireri area, Juja House, Athi area, Kikumari Zone, Kimich, and Mwalimu Farms. These interventions have significantly reduced the conflict. So far, the service has translocated 12 hyaenas from Juja."
KWS said it is also implementing a comprehensive strategy to address the human-wildlife conflict in the Juja area.
This approach involved actively tracking, capturing, and translocating hyaenas, as well as engaging the community through barazas and local media, to educate residents about hyaena behaviour and safety measures.
Additionally, the service has conducted consultative meetings with Kiambu leaders to implement resolutions for the public’s protection.
The efforts included 24/7 area patrols and community support, with KWS expressing gratitude for the support received thus far.
The service also facilitated government-approved compensation for affected community members.
KWS has urged Juja residents and its surroundings to promptly report any wildlife emergency cases to the nearest KWS office or contact the service’s 24/7 hotline at 0800 597 000 for immediate intervention.