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KWS hunting lioness spotted in Ongata Rongai

An African lion (Photo: Handout)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Wednesday, May 22, 2024

It was captured on CCTV scaling a perimeter wall and snatching a pedigree dog from a private residence in the early hours of Wednesday.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has dispatched a special team to track down a lioness seen in the Nazarene residential area of Ongata Rongai in Kajiado County.

It was captured on CCTV scaling a perimeter wall and snatching a pedigree dog from a private residence in the early hours of Wednesday.

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"Our Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) team is actively pursuing the dangerous big cat," KWS Spokesman Paul Jinaro said in a statement on Wednesday.

The lioness, according to KWS, is suspected to have cubs hidden nearby.

The service has increased patrols in the area, with additional support from the Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU).

It advised residents to be cautious, especially at night, as the recent heavy rains in Nairobi have displaced wildlife.

KWS noted that animals migrate towards human settlements like Rongai, Kitengela, Athi-Kapiti, and the larger Kajiado and its environs to waterlogged grounds and areas with overly-long grass, that provide hideouts for predators.

These conditions attract predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas, who follow their prey into these areas.

"This movement of carnivores leads to unfortunate incidents like the one captured on CCTV," Jinaro said.

Eighty per cent of Nairobi National Park is fenced, meaning the animals have getaway routes, but the KWS assured that the city is safe from wildlife raids.

However, it was noted that the ongoing rains have caused significant wildlife displacement, increasing the risk of encounters in nearby communities.

In addition, the public was urged to avoid spreading misinformation about wildlife sightings, referencing recent false reports of lions near the Nairobi Women's Prison along Lang'ata Road.

"We appeal to the public to immediately and accurately report any human-wildlife conflict incidents to our 24/7 toll-free line, 0800 597 000," Jinaro added.

On May 17, 2024, KWS warned Kenyans about wildlife displacement due to floods. Those living near wildlife-prone areas were urged to avoid outdoor activities after dusk, and the general public was asked to report unusual wildlife sightings in their communities.