KWS Deploys Rangers to Hunt Killer Hyenas in Juja Following Public Outcry
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September 9, 2024 — In response to a series of fatal hyena attacks in Juja, Kiambu County, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has launched an intensive operation to capture and relocate the rogue animals. The operation was initiated following the tragic death of five-year-old Njoroge Gitau on September 4, 2024, which intensified community demands for swift action.
KWS has deployed dozens of rangers, including specialized officers from Laikipia, Nakuru, and Nairobi, to conduct around-the-clock operations in the affected areas. The team, led by Senior Assistant Director Joseph Dadacha of the Central Rift Conservation Area, will utilize advanced equipment such as night vision tools, traps, and luring devices to capture the hyenas. Once captured, the animals will be relocated to regions far from human settlements.
“Several camps have been set up in Juja, and our officers will remain until the mission is complete,” Dadacha stated during a press briefing at Tropical Farm in Nyacaba, Juja.
In addition to capturing the hyenas, KWS plans to conduct regular patrols to monitor hyena activity and respond swiftly to any sightings. The service will also engage local communities in awareness programs focused on proper waste disposal and the importance of reporting wildlife sightings promptly.
The urgency of the situation was highlighted when residents of Nyacaba blocked the Thika Superhighway for nearly two hours on Thursday, protesting the hyena attacks and demanding immediate action.
In a related development, State House Senior Advisor Moses Kuria announced that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will inspect local dumpsites and unattended quarry sites, which may serve as hyena hideouts. This initiative aims to address environmental factors contributing to the hyena problem, further underscoring the need for effective wildlife management and community safety measures.
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