Two families are mourning the tragic deaths of their loved ones following separate human-wildlife conflict incidents in Nairobi and Nyeri counties, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed.
In the first case, a 14-year-old girl was killed by a lion on the evening of April 19th at Savannah Ranch, just across the Mbagathi River from Nairobi National Park.
“A lion had entered a residential compound and attacked the girl, a grade 7 pupil at a local primary school,” KWS said in a statement.
The attack, which occurred around 7pm, was witnessed by another teenager who immediately raised the alarm prompting response from KWS rangers who were dispatched and traced bloodstains to the Mbagathi River, where they recovered the girl’s body.
“The girl’s body was recovered with injuries on the lower back. The lion was not seen at the scene, prompting a continued search,” KWS said, adding that it has since set traps and deployed teams to comb the area in search of the lion.
Police officers from Olosirgon Police Station later processed the scene, and the body was transported to the Nairobi Funeral Home, accompanied by the victim’s father.
In the another tragic incident, a 54-year-old man was killed by an elephant on April 18th in Mere Forest, Kimahuri, Nyeri County.
“The victim sustained serious chest injuries, fractured ribs, and internal trauma,” KWS said.
Despite being rushed to Karatina Sub-county Hospital, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
The incident was reported at Kimahuri Police Post, with officers from the Nyeri Station and KWS’s Mt Kenya team visiting the scene for further investigation.
The KWS condoled with the families of the deceased persons, saying that it is working to enhance the safety of persons living near protected wild-life areas.
“These incidents underscore the urgent need for continued investment in human-wildlife conflict mitigation — through strategic interventions, early warning systems, and strengthened collaboration with affected communities,” KWS said.
Kenya has witnessed a disturbing rise in fatal human-wildlife conflicts in recent years, as growing human settlements encroach on natural habitats.
These tragic encounters have resulted in the loss of lives and highlight the delicate balance between conservation and community safety.
In August 2023, residents of Olgira village, Rombo — on the border of Taita Taveta and Kajiado counties — killed two elephants in retaliation after a 3-year-old girl was killed by stray elephants and her mother injured. The elephant involved in the attack was neutralised by the KWS.
In May 2023, at least six lions were killed by herders at Amboseli National Park. The KWS said the lions were killed by herders after the pride attacked 11 goats and a dog the previous night, a clear case of human-wildlife conflict in the country.
In August 2022, a 72-year-old man was killed by an elephant in Rumuruti, Laikipia County, as he attempted to chase it away from his farm.
Incidents involving buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles attacks have also claimed lives, particularly in regions bordering national parks and water bodies.
In December 2022, James Osore, 41, was killed by a hippo that charged from a thicket as he and his neighbour walked to their farm at dawn in Jabagre village, Homa Bay.
