KWS team traps hyena in Juja

By Peter Ochieng

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) team with support from the community, successfully trapped an adult hyena in Zone D, Athi Sublocation, Juja Farm, Kiambu County.

The operation, KWS said in a statement, is aligned to the agency’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028, which focuses on fostering human-wildlife coexistence and safeguarding Kenya’s biodiversity.

“By working hand in hand with communities, we are creating safer environments, protecting livelihoods, and preserving our country’s natural heritage for future generations,” the statement reads in part.

“This achievement highlights the crucial role that community members play in our ongoing efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Their vigilance and cooperation have been key in ensuring the safety of both people and wildlife.”

Kenyans are free to report any wildlife incidences via a toll-free line 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp 0726 610509 for immediate intervention.

Towards the end of September 2024, KWS extended its massive operation to relocate killer hyenas from Juja. The move came days after residents of Kiambu whose livestock had been killed by hyenas asked for compensation for their losses.

The angry residents said they live in fear of being attacked by hyenas, after 20 goats were attacked and killed in a month.

They said the hyenas roam around the area at night, making loud sounds. One resident said they had informed KWS officials but no action had been taken.

Complaints from residents were registered after a four-year-old boy was mauled by a hyena at Flat Estate in Nyacaba area of Witeithie location in Juja.

Police said the body of the boy was discovered long after he had been killed and partially eaten up by the wild animal.

According to KWS, Human-wildlife conflict arises when human activities impact wildlife negatively or vice versa.

The conflict poses significant challenges, leading to injuries, fatalities, crop destruction, infrastructure damage, and disruption of human activities.

Juja Sub-County in Kiambu County has over the months witnessed a surge in human-hyaena conflicts, resulting in the tragic loss of human life.