Editor's Review

KWS has issued three directives after a hyena mauled a five-year-old boy in Juja, Kiambu County, on September 4. 

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued three directives after a hyena mauled a five-year-old boy in Juja, Kiambu County, on September 4. 

In a statement on Thursday, September 6, KWS asked the public to limit night movement, dispose of waste properly to avoid attracting hyenas, and refrain from tampering with traps set up for the animals. 

The wildlife watchdog disclosed that it was intensifying efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the area following the incident. 

"Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) deeply regrets the tragic loss of a 5-year-old child caused by a hyena attack on the evening of 4th September in Juja, Kiambu County. We extend our condolences to the family during this difficult time.

"The service urges the public to limit movement at night, dispose of waste properly to avoid attracting hyenas and refrain from tampering with traps set for the animals," KWS stated.

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It further maintained that to address the hyena threat, it launched an operation dubbed 'Operation Ondoa Fisi-2' on August 8, 2024, following a similar incident.

File image of a hyena.

"This operation was a buildup on a previous initiative from November 2023 to tackle rising hyena attacks," the wildlife watchdog remarked.

KWS disclosed that since the start of the operation, it has successfully tracked and captured 38 hyenas before relocating them.

At the same time, the service stated that a specialised team has been deployed to manage the current situation in Juja.

"Since the start of Operation Ondoa Fisi-2, KWS has successfully tracked, captured and relocated 38 hyenas and sealed 12 quarries used as hideouts by the hyenas. A specialised team has been deployed to manage the current situation, with the operation proceeding in two phases: hyena management and community engagement to educate residents on safety measures," KWS stated.

Additionally, the service intimated that it was committed to working with relevant authorities to address and rehabilitate abandoned quarries within Juja and ensure the safety of all residents.