Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has listed four key areas that are infested with hyenas, as it intensifies its campaign dubbed Operation Ondoa Fisi, aimed at returning them to their original habitat.
In a statement issued through their official X account on Sunday, September 8, 2024, KWS listed Juja Farm, Thika West, Ruiru, and Athi River as key areas currently infested with hyenas.
KWS specialized ranger unit
KWS in the statement noted that a specialized ranger unit has been deployed to the listed areas to mop up the hyenas.
“Kenya Wildlife Service has intensified the #OperationOndoaFisi Campaign, deploying a specialized ranger unit across key areas, including Juja Farm, Thika West, Ruiru, and Athi River, to provide a comprehensive and effective response to the ongoing human-hyena conflict,” the statement by KWS reads in part.
KWS further stated that its Senior Assistant Director for the Southern Conservation Area, Joseph Dadacha, had assured the deployed team of full support to ensure the operation’s success in the shortest time possible.
“During a briefing at the Tropical Farm command base, Senior Assistant Director for the Southern Conservation Area, Mr. Joseph Dadacha, assured the team of full support to ensure the operation’s success in the shortest time possible.
“The operation has also garnered significant support from local leaders, with Hon. Moses Kuria, Senior Advisor to the Council of Economic Affairs at State House, commending KWS for its commitment to resolving the issue,” KWS said.
Kenya Wildlife Service has intensified the #OperationOndoaFisi Campaign, deploying a specialized ranger unit across key areas, including Juja Farm, Thika West, Ruiru, and Athi River, to provide a comprehensive and effective response to the ongoing human-hyena conflict.
— Kenya Wildlife Service (@KWSKenya) September 8, 2024
During a… pic.twitter.com/t4lU4uC1Yo
Kuria on KWS efforts
Senior advisor in President William Ruto’s State House-based Council of Economic Advisors Moses Kuria in a statement issued on Sunday, September 8, 2024, has said that KWS has since identified a new and aggressive species of hyenas that pose a threat to humans, which are primarily found around abandoned quarries and uncontrolled dump sites.
“This incident represents a new and disturbing trend, as there has been no previous record of human-animal conflict in the area. Historically, hyenas and humans in this area coexisted peacefully.
“However, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has now identified a new, aggressive species of hyenas that pose a threat to humans. These hyenas are primarily found around abandoned quarries and uncontrolled dump sites in the area, which have become their hiding grounds as they feed on food remnants at night and seek refuge during the day,” Kuria stated.
KWS plan
KWS on September 5, 2024, announced plans to intensify its efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in Juja after a tragic incident where a five-year-old child was killed by a hyena.
In a statement, KWS expressed deep regret over the incident and extended their condolences to the grieving family.
“KWS deeply regrets the tragic loss of a 5-year-old child following a hyena attack on the evening of 4th September in Juja, Kiambu County. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time,” the statement read.
KWS acknowledged the challenges of wildlife management, noting that many animals, including hyenas, live outside protected areas, which complicates efforts to prevent conflicts.
