Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has successfully captured a lion that had strayed into Kitengela, raising safety concerns among residents and local livestock. The capture highlights the critical role communities play in reporting wildlife-human conflicts to prevent harm and ensure coexistence.

In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, KWS emphasised the importance of community engagement and their toll-free reporting system, which allows people to raise alarms when wild animals venture near settlements.

“Conservation is never just about wildlife in protected areas; it is about the people who care enough to make the call,” KWS said in a statement.

The agency reminded residents of the value of their reporting channels and the difference timely alerts can make in protecting both humans and animals.

“That is why the KWS toll-free number matters. To most, it may not mean much, but to communities living next to our parks and reserves, and to anyone who has faced human-wildlife conflict, it can mean the difference between loss and safety, anger and understanding, life and death,” the statement read.

KWS credited local communities for their vigilance, noting that the Kitengela residents acted responsibly by alerting authorities instead of attempting retaliation against the lion.

“Last Friday, a lion from Kitengela developed a dangerous appetite for domestic animals, especially donkeys. Instead of a retaliatory attack, the local community showed remarkable vigilance and courage by raising the alarm, thereby choosing co-existence,” KWS said.

The alert allowed the agency to deploy its veterinary and capture team swiftly, led by Ian Muchina, ensuring the lion was safely removed from human settlements.

“That single act of responsibility set in motion a swift response from our veterinary and capture team led by Ian Muchina, leading to the lion’s safe capture and relocation far from human settlement,” KWS added.

Authorities urged residents to continue using the reporting system.