Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua is calling on Kenyans especially those living in the Nairobi Metropolitan area to exercise caution particularly at night due to increased hyena attacks. At least four people have been fatally injured and scores left nursing injuries following incidents of hyena attacks in Juja and areas around the Nairobi National Park.
Dr Mutua emphasized the importance of community awareness and cooperation in reporting any unusual wildlife behaviour for prompt action.
He blames increased cases of confrontations in recent weeks to the proximity of the scavengers to human settlements especially in Juja and areas around the Nairobi National Park.
“We must understand that these animals are simply adapting to their environment. While it is our duty to conserve and protect our wildlife, we also need to take precautions to ensure the safety of our citizens,” Dr Mutua said.
He says preliminary investigations into the surge in hyena attacks in Nairobi metropolitan area is due to a notable increase in hyena population.
The Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary says the hyena population had multiplied during the dry season as they had an abundance of food, feeding on wild animals that died as a result of lack of water and pasture during the drought witnessed in 2022 and 2023.