Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua has addressed the growing concerns over the increase in hyena attacks in Nairobi and its environs.
Speaking from Kilifi on Wednesday, January 7, Mutua revealed that investigations have pointed to a significant increase in the hyena population as the primary cause of the recent spate of attacks.
According to the CS, this population surge is as a result of the dry season, during which the scarcity of water and pasture had resulted in the death of some animals.
As such, the Tourism CS noted that the abundance of carcasses provided a readily available food source for scavengers like hyenas, leading to their proliferation in the area.
“We must understand that these animals are simply adapting to their environment,” said the CS
Also Read: KWS Responds After Hyena Attacks University Student
“While it is our duty to conserve and protect our wildlife, we also need to take precautions to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
CS Mutua made these remarks following the recent attack of two people one of them a student at the Multimedia University by hyenas in Rongai.
CS Mutua Call to the Community
Furthermore, CS Alfred Mutua urged Kenyans to exercise caution especially during the night and avoid walking near areas wild animals reside.
He also emphasized the need for both conservation efforts and citizen safety measures.
While acknowledging the importance of protecting wildlife, CS Mutua urged communities to remain vigilant and report any unusual wildlife behavior promptly, emphasizing the crucial role of community awareness and cooperation in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.
Addressing another pressing issue, the CS addressed reports surrounding the outbreak of red eye disease, clarifying that the illness is not transmitted through eye contact with infected individuals.
“Let me be clear- red eye disease is not spread by making eye contact with infected persons. It is crucial that we rely on accurate information and not succumb to misinformation”, he said.
He stressed the importance of relying on accurate information and cautioned against succumbing to misinformation.
In light of the red eye disease outbreak, CS Mutua called for hygienic practices reminiscing of the COVID-19 era.
“We must be vigilant and adopt preventive measures to curb the spread of red eye disease,” Mutua stated.
Likewise, the Tourism and Wildlife CS noted the importance of maintaining good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals to curb the spread of the disease.
Also Read: Govt Issues 7 Tips on How to Avoid Hyena Attack
KWS Collective Measure Response
Kenya Wildlife responded to the recent surge in hyena attacks, noting that the Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU) team swiftly took action by euthanizing one hyena and initiating an operation to locate nearby hyena dens.
Accompanied by a veterinary team, they reported examining the hyena carcass to determine if there is any risk of rabies or other zoonotic diseases.
Additionally, the Kenya Wildlife Service urged residents in the area to remain vigilant, particularly since the southern part of Nairobi National Park lacks fencing and serves as a wildlife migratory corridor.
“The PAMU team will remain on standby until all hyenas in Ole Kasasi are driven back into the park to enhance protection of members.
“PAMU will continue to be on standby until all hyenas in Ole Kasasi are safely driven back into the park, enhancing the safety of local residents,” read a statement by KWS.
Furthermore, KWS emphasized the importance of prompt reporting of any wildlife emergency cases.
They encourage Kenyans to contact the nearest KWS office or utilize the Service’s 24/7 hotline on 0800 597 000 for immediate intervention.
In November 2023, KWS issued several tips to avoid hyena attacks after several cases were reported over wildlife-human conflicts.
Some of the tips included stop, don’t run, don’t lie down or pretend to be dead, try not to show your fear, minimize movements at night as hyenas are nocturnal animals.
