Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has moved to reassure the public after reports confirmed that two lionesses had wandered beyond the limits of Nairobi National Park.

The unusual movement of the animals into nearby settlements prompted an immediate safety alert as officers began efforts to control the situation.

In a statement released on Wednesday, January 7, KWS said it was closely tracking the developments and had already deployed teams to the area where the lionesses were last seen.

“Two lionesses from Nairobi National Park have been sighted in the Sholinke Trading Area, approximately 8.3 km from the park boundary. Latest coordinates: 37 M 261961 UTM 9834651. KWS teams are actively managing the situation,” the notice read.

KWS explained that trained rangers were already stationed at the scene and that veterinary officers were heading there to support the operation.

The Service said the plan is to safely restrain the animals before returning them to the park.

“KWS rangers are on site, and veterinary teams are en route to safely dart, capture, and relocate the lionesses. The operation is ongoing, with public safety as the top priority,” the notice added.

As the operation continues, KWS urged residents in the surrounding areas to remain cautious. Members of the public were advised to stay away from the location, keep children indoors, and alert authorities immediately if the animals are seen.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, avoid the area, keep children indoors, and report any sightings via Toll Free 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp 0726 610 509,” the notice concluded.

Wildlife straying from Nairobi National Park into surrounding communities is a recurring issue. As the only wildlife park situated within a city, Nairobi National Park presents significant challenges that contribute to human-wildlife conflicts.

According to KWS 80 per cent of Nairobi National Park is fenced, meaning the animals have escape routes, but assured that the city is safe from wildlife attacks.

Cases of human-wildlife conflict in Rongai have escalated in recent years as the human population has increased and encroached on areas originally occupied by wildlife.