Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has revealed that the government has launched a probe into the rise in hyena attacks amid indications of population growth.

Speaking on Wednesday, he said preliminary investigations had revealed a notable increase in the hyena population within Nairobi’s Juja area and the Nairobi National Park.

Mutua attributed the projected population growth of hyenas to the dry spell witnessed in the country before the onset of El Nino rains in 2023.

He said the scavengers capitalized on the death of other animals amid scarcity in water and pasture.

Further, he blamed rising attacks on humans on 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,” he said.

Additionally, he has called upon 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 behavior.

Parts of the country have seen a rise in hyena attacks 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.

This comes a day after Multimedia University students on Tuesday morning held a protest along Magadi Road, making it impassable after one of them was mauled by a hyena in Rongai.

 Kelvin Mwenda, a 21-year-old student at Multimedia University, was attacked by a hyena at 8 pm on Monday along Maasai Lodge Road.

Stephen Romo, a resident of Olmeut village in Ongata Rongai, rushed to rescue him and equally sustained serious injuries.