Date Published:
Human-wildlife conflict arises when human activities impact wildlife negatively or vice versa. In Kenya, this conflict poses significant challenges, leading to injuries, fatalities, crop destruction, infrastructure damage, and disruption of human activities.
Regrettably, Juja Sub-County in Kiambu County has witnessed a surge in human-hyaena conflicts, resulting in the tragic loss of human life. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) extends condolences to the affected families.
Upon receiving reports, KWS promptly deployed the Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU) unit which strategically placed traps, initiated hyaena captures and mobilized a veterinary unit to translocate and relocate the hyaenas from this human-dominated area. Efforts were concentrated in various locations within the sub county, including Munyaka Area Theta Ward, Mwireri Area, Juja House, Athi Area, Kikumari Zone, Kimich and Mwalimu Farms. These interventions have significantly reduced the conflict. So far, the Service has translocated 12 hyaenas from Juja.
KWS also 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 behavior and safety measures. Additionally, the Service has conducted consultative meetings with Kiambu leaders to implement resolutions for the public’s protection. The efforts included 24/7 area patrols and community support, with KWS expressing gratitude for the support received thus far. The Service also facilitated government-approved compensation for affected community members.
Several factors contributing to the conflict have been identified, including abandoned quarries providing hiding areas for hyaenas, improper disposal of livestock remains that attract hyaenas, unfenced dumping sites serving as feeding grounds and large, unfenced, undeveloped land offering shelter to 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. Adherence to livestock waste disposal regulations by the County Government of Kiambu is encouraged, along with the construction of hyaena-proof livestock pens and installation of residential area lighting.
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 on 0800 597 000 for immediate intervention.
