KWS issues warning after 2 lionesses are spotted roaming outside Nairobi National Park

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has raised an alert after unusual wildlife activity was reported close to residential areas in the Nairobi neighbourhood.

In a statement on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the service urged residents to stay vigilant as teams assess the situation and manage it safely.

The sighting involved two lionesses moving outside their usual habitat in Nairobi National Park. While these animals have mostly stayed within park boundaries, their recent movements bring them uncomfortably close to human settlements, raising concern among residents.

Officials said the lionesses were first observed near the Sholinke Trading Area, roughly 8.3 kilometres from the park’s edge.

KWS has dispatched rangers to monitor the animals and ensure they are safely guided back to the park. Veterinary teams are also en route to dart and relocate the lionesses if necessary.

“Two lionesses from Nairobi National Park have been sighted in the Sholinke Trading Area, approximately 8.3 km from the park boundary. Latest coordinates: 37 M 261961 UTM 9834651, “the agency wrote

Members of the public are being urged to exercise caution: avoid the area, keep children indoors, and do not attempt to approach or feed the animals. KWS has provided hotlines for reporting any sightings,

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, avoid the area, keep children indoors, and report any sightings via Toll Free 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp 0726 610 509,” KWS noted

Past Incidents

The sighting of lions near residential areas in Nairobi has become increasingly common.

In June 2025, KWS captured a lioness in Ongata Rongai after CCTV footage showed it scaling a wall and snatching a dog from a private home.

In July 2021, a young male lion wandered out of Nairobi National Park into Ongata Rongai, prompting widespread panic among residents as it was spotted near homes and a busy neighbourhood.

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