Kenya Wildlife Service Urged to Act Swiftly Amid Hyena Attacks in Juja
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano EGH has called on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to accelerate its efforts to address the escalating human-wildlife conflict in Juja, Kiambu County. The CS’s urgent appeal follows a series of tragic hyena attacks in the area, culminating in the death of a 5-year-old child on Wednesday.
The recent surge in hyena attacks, which also saw a woman killed last month, has prompted increasing concern among local residents. The community has been vocal in its demand for prompt action to address the crisis.
In response, CS Miano has emphasized her Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding human life and has directed KWS to intensify their efforts. “The hyena menace in Juja has reached inadmissible levels,” Miano stated. “The recent tragic losses, particularly of young children, are deeply distressing. I have instructed KWS to remove all hyenas from the area as swiftly as possible and to ensure that this issue is resolved by September 2024.”
To enhance safety measures, KWS will now operate on a 24-hour surveillance schedule in Juja to prevent further incidents. The increased monitoring aims to reassure residents that immediate action is being taken to prevent additional tragedies.
KWS personnel are already on the ground working to address the situation and mitigate the threat posed by the hyenas. The authorities have expressed their commitment to resolving the crisis and restoring peace to the affected community.