The Kenya Wildlife Service has relocated 12 hyenas from Juja in Kiambu County in the ongoing operation Ondoa Fisi and compensated affected families whose relatives were mauled or injured by the marauding animals.
In a statement on Wednesday, KWS said translocation efforts were concentrated in various locations within the subcounty, including Munyaka in Theta Ward, Mwireri in Juja House, Athi, Kikumari Zone, Kimich and Mwalimu Farms.
“These interventions have significantly reduced the conflict. So far, the Service has translocated 12 hyenas from Juja. The Service also facilitated government-approved compensation for affected community members.”
Incidences of hyena attacks in Juja date as far back as June 2021, when a pack of animals attacked a drunk man and ate his whole body, leaving just bones.
In February 2022, three people were mauled to death by the killer hyenas, prompting Juja residents to threaten to take legal action.
In September of the same year, a Grade 3 boy was mauled to death by hyenas in Nyacaba village.
On the morning of December 2, 2023, a middle-aged woman was mauled to death by the hyenas as she walked to a coffee farm in Nyacaba village.
Residents blocked armed police from collecting the body, demanding that the police hunt down the hyenas before collecting her remains.
Back in November 20, 2023, a clan of hyenas also killed a 10-year-old pupil in Weteithie area.
The surge of hyena attacks has instilled fear in residents, who rarely move out of their houses in the evenings, late at the night and early in the morning for fear of the marauding animals.
The impending danger has also kept their children out of school.
KWS, however, said it has implemented a comprehensive strategy to address the human-hyaena 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.”
A captured hyena, a sub-adult of approximately 4 years of age, was found at Kimincha Farm in Juja, Kiambu County on December 31, 2023.
A captured hyena, a sub-adult of approximately 4 years of age, was found at Kimincha Farm in Juja, Kiambu County on December 31, 2023. Image: KWS
The service said it has additionally held consultative meetings with Kiambu leaders to implement resolutions for the public’s protection.
The efforts include 24/7 area patrols and community support.
KWS said several factors contribute to hyenas wandering into human habitats in Juja including abandoned quarries which act as hiding areas.
The Service said residents also improperly dispose of livestock remains that attract the hyaenas while unfenced dumping sites serve as their feeding grounds.
KWS also said Juja is dotted with unfenced and undeveloped parcels of land which offer shelter to the hyaenas.
“In response, KWS recommends immediate preventive measures, such as the restoration of abandoned quarries, fencing operational quarries and the Makongeni dumpsite, fencing abandoned/undeveloped private land and enforcement of mining policies and regulations.”
The Service also encouraged residents to adhere to livestock waste disposal regulations as well as the construction of hyaena-proof livestock pens and installation of residential area lighting.
Juja residents were encouraged to contact KWS via hotline 0800 597 000 for immediate intervention in case of any emergency.
By Star