KWS Launches Major Operation to Capture Killer Hyenas in Juja After Fatal Attacks
In a dramatic escalation of wildlife management, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has deployed a significant force to Juja, Kiambu County, in response to a series of deadly hyena attacks that have gripped the community with fear.
The latest incident, a tragic attack that claimed the life of five-year-old Njoroge Gitau on September 4, 2024, has intensified the urgency of the situation.
KWS has mobilized an extensive team of specialized rangers from Laikipia, Nakuru, and Nairobi to lead an around-the-clock operation aimed at capturing and relocating the rogue hyenas. Joseph Dadacha, Senior Assistant Director for the Central Rift Conservation Area, has been appointed to spearhead the mission. At a press briefing held at Tropical Farm in Nyacaba, Juja, Dadacha provided details on the multi-faceted approach being employed.
“We have deployed dozens of officers equipped with advanced machinery, including night vision tools and specialized traps,” Dadacha explained. “Our team will establish several camps in the area and will not leave until the hyenas are safely relocated.”
The operation, which began on Sunday, incorporates the latest technology to track and capture the hyenas. Once caught, the animals will be transported to remote areas far from human settlements to prevent future conflicts. In addition, KWS will maintain a vigilant presence with regular patrols to monitor hyena activity and respond quickly to any new sightings.
Efforts to address the root causes of the problem are also underway. State House Senior Advisor Moses Kuria announced that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will inspect local dumpsites and abandoned quarry sites, which may be serving as hyena hideouts. This inspection aims to tackle environmental factors that contribute to the hyena problem.
The community’s frustration boiled over on Thursday when residents of Nyacaba took to the Thika Superhighway, blocking it for nearly two hours to protest the ongoing hyena attacks and demand immediate action. The demonstration underscored the severe impact of the hyena menace on local residents and the urgent need for effective wildlife management strategies.
In addition to the immediate response, KWS will launch awareness programs to educate residents on proper waste disposal and the importance of reporting wildlife sightings promptly. These measures aim to foster better coexistence between humans and wildlife and to prevent future incidents.
As the operation continues, the KWS remains committed to resolving the crisis and restoring safety to the affected communities.
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