KWS Gives Juja Residents 3 Ways To Stop Hyena Attacks

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has called upon the Kiambu County government as well as residents of Juja to implement alternatives aimed at reducing the worrying frequency of hyena attacks.

In a statement, KWS called for the two factions to follow regulations regarding the disposal of livestock waste to avoid attracting the hyenas.

Furthermore, KWS called for the installation of residential lighting as well as the construction of livestock-proof pens to prevent hyena attacks on both cattle and other livestock as well as the residents themselves, most of whom are returning home late from their duties.

"KWS urges residents of Juja and its surroundings to promptly report any wildlife emergency cases to the nearest KWS office or contact the Service’s 24/7 hotline for immediate intervention," the statement advised.

Hyena captured at Kimincha Farm in Juja, Kiambu County. /KWS

KWS and Kiambu County leaders have also resolved to embark on 24/7 area patrols with the help of community members.

The wildlife body also asked the county government to restore the abandoned quarries, fence operational quarries, and the Makongeni dumpsite which may act as popular hiding spots for the hyenas.

KWS added that it deployed the Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU) which placed traps, initiated hyena captures and mobilized a veterinary unit to translocate and relocate the hyenas from the human-dominated area.

Other measures taken by KWS included holding meetings with the residents to educate them on hyena behaviour and safety measures as well as holding consultative meetings with Kiambu leaders to implement resolutions for local protection.

KWS also sent its condolences to the affected families and added that it has translocated 12 hyenas from Juja.

The operation was heightened to areas such as Munyaka Area Theta ward, Mwireri area, Juja House, Athi area, Kikumari zone, Kimich and Mwalimu Farms.

In December 2023, KWS managed to capture two hyenas in the operation dubbed Ondoa Fisi, which was achieved through the use of a predator trap set in the area within the populous sub-county.

Operation Ondoa Fisi was launched following complaints from people in the area regarding the wild animals terrorising the residents, some of which have been responsible for nightmare attacks on people near human settlements.

Earlier in December, angry residents of Nyacaba village in Juja sub-county blocked a section of Thika Road and stopped police officers from collecting the body of a middle-aged woman who was mauled to death by suspected hyenas.

It was believed that the woman was walking from Nyacaba village to Ndarugu coffee plantation when she was attacked by the animals.

Kenya Wildlife Service rangers monitoring a rhino in 2019. /KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE