By Kimondo Maina, DevReporter, Nyeri County
Key takeaways
- Juja Subcounty has seen a surge in hyena attacks, with at least eight fatalities this year, raising urgent public safety concerns.
- Abandoned quarries are significant hiding spots for hyenas, increasing the risk of attacks and disrupting residents’ daily lives.
- The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) is criticized for not enforcing the decommissioning of quarries, which exacerbates human-wildlife conflict in the community.
Rising fatalities in Juja
Since the year started, at least eight people have lost their lives due to hyena attacks in Juja Sub-county. The most recent attack happened on 5th September involving 5-year-old Njoroge Gitau in Nyacaba, Witeithie, Juja a few weeks after hyenas mauled a 52-year-old Nancy Njoki on her way to work. These attacks led to residents taking to the streets demanding swift action.
“We are not happy, yesterday a child was attacked while coming from the shop. This morning, another was attacked on the way to school. This is not the first time something like this has happened. We want to say, it’s either the hyenas or us”- Boniface Njenga, Nyacaba Resident.
Threat of Abandoned quarries
As fear grips the community, it raises pressing questions. What is causing these attacks and what factors fuel this behavior? According to locals, historically, humans and hyenas in this area have co-existed peacefully. These new incidents present a new and disturbing trend.
However, According to Joseph Waweru, the rise in hyena attacks can be attributed to the open quarries in the area, which serve as hiding spots for these animals.
“The open quarries are hiding spots for these hyenas, making it easy for them to enter our areas. I fear for my safety because they can attack us at any time. These quarries should be closed, as they pose a serious threat to our well-being, ” said Joseph
The attacks have affected the business community quite significantly. Many entrepreneurs are compelled to close their shops early for safety. Boda boda operators like Joseph are forced to end their workday by 7: 30 pm due to the fear of potential attacks. Milk farmers who have to sell their milk early in the morning expressed fear of attacks by these hyenas.
“These hyenas are causing us problems, especially in the morning when we go to sell our milk,” said Agnes, a milk vendor.
Operation ‘Ondoa Fisi’
In response to these attacks, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano acknowledged the community’s concerns and pledged to take action including providing compensation for the affected families. Following this commitment, the Kenya Wildlife Service, led by Senior Assistant Director Joseph Dadacha, launched an operation called ‘Ondoa Fisi’ on September 8th, aimed at relocating the hyenas that were traumatising villagers. The operation is proving successful.
“Over 60 hyenas have been dealt with in this area. Some have been captured, while others have been killed.” KWS Assistant Director Joseph Dadacha on 24th Sep 2024.
While the Kenya Wildlife Service has successfully captured over 60 hyenas in the area, one lucky survivor is Kim. Kim was harvesting firewood in Kimisha Farm when he encountered a hyena. As he ran away, crying for help, he was fortunate that KWS officers were on patrol nearby. They rushed to his aid and shot down the hyena, ensuring his safety.
“I was fetching firewood when I encountered a hyena and screamed. Luckily, KWS officials were nearby on patrol, they shot it dead.” Kim.
Need for Quarry Decommissioning
As these heroic acts continue, the open quarries still present problems. Locals are urging authorities to fill these quarries once mining activities are over, as they are breeding grounds and homes for these hyenas.
“Those quarries need to be decommissioned, and those who excavated them should backfill the sites,” Joseph
Kenya has passed various laws such as the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013 to address Human-Wildlife conflict. The law provides a framework for protecting, conserving and managing wildlife in Kenya. Outlined under this law is the Kenya Wildlife Management and Compensation Act of 2013. Under this act, individuals who are attacked and sustain injuries resulting in the amputation of a body part are eligible for Ksh 3M compensation. Further, the next of kin of those who die as a result of a wildlife attack receive Ksh 5M. In early May, while speaking in Rumuruti, Laikipia county, President William Ruto Allocated Ksh 960M as compensation for families affected by injuries, death or damages to food, crops or property caused by wildlife. The families of the deceased are now urging the government to fulfill its compensation obligations.
As Juja struggles with the ongoing threat of hyena attacks, the community’s cry for action raises another concern. They contend that the National Environmental Management Authority, NEMA, is neglecting its mandated of enforcing set regulations for ensuring that quarries are properly decommissioned after mining. This mandates is stipulated in the National Guideline on Mine Site Decommissioning and Rehabilitation report. Without accountability and effective management, the community’s safety will remain at stake.
