In a swift response to the tragic loss of two children due to hyena attacks in Juja, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, has directed the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to intensify its efforts to remove hyenas from the area.
The directive follows a series of attacks that culminated in the death of a 4-year-old boy on September 5th. Residents, outraged by the incident, took to the streets demanding immediate action from KWS. The agency has since launched Operation OndoaFisi-2, a targeted operation to capture and relocate hyenas.
CS Miano’s order includes a comprehensive mop-up operation, 24-hour surveillance, and community engagement initiatives. The KWS Problem Animal Management Unit will be deployed to capture and safely translocate hyenas. Additionally, traps will be strategically placed, and veterinary units will be on standby to assist in the operation.
To prevent further loss of life, 24-hour surveillance will be implemented in Juja, allowing for swift responses to any potential threats. The operation will involve ground patrols and technological tools to monitor hyena movements.
KWS is also working closely with the local community to educate residents on hyena behavior and safety measures. Community meetings and media campaigns will provide information on how to avoid encounters and protect livestock.
The agency has identified several factors contributing to the increased attacks, including abandoned quarries, improper waste disposal, and unfenced dumping sites. KWS recommends restoring abandoned quarries, fencing operational areas, and enforcing waste disposal regulations to mitigate these risks.
