Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua
Wednesday said preliminary investigations had revealed a notable increase in
the hyena population within Nairobi's Juja area and the Nairobi National Park.
Mutua, who spoke while on a public engagement in Kilifi,
attributed the projected population growth to the dry spell witnessed in the
country before the onset of El Nino rains in 2023.
Amid scarcity in water and pasture, the scavengers
capitalised on the death of other animals, Mutua said.
He blamed rising attacks on humans to the increased
proximity of hyenas to human settlements leading to a rise in confrontations.
"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," said the CS.
The CS urged Kenyans to exercise caution at night and avoid
walking near areas where wild animals reside.
He emphasized the importance of community awareness and
cooperation in reporting unusual wildlife behaviour.
Parts of the country have seen a rise in hyena attack since
late 2023 with the Kenya Wildlife Service urging the public to avoid running
when they encounter the scavengers warning such action could fuel their intact.
In Nairobi, hyena attacks have been reported in Rongai
prompting protests by residents in the areas.
On Tuesday, students from Multimedia University located in
Rongai staged protests after one of their own suffered a hyena attack.
KWS reported discovering human remains at the site of the
latest hyena attack.
The wildlife agency headquartered just 7km from Multimedia
University promised to deploy more rangers to track and intercept hyenas in
residential areas.
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