On Thursday, May 16, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) issued a warning to residents of Lang'ata in Nairobi about three lions reportedly roaming in the area.

KWS received reports the previous evening that the lions were allegedly sighted near Lang'ata Women's Prison in Nairobi.

In response, the KWS Problem Animal Control team quickly mobilized and conducted a thorough search of the area. Despite their efforts, the team was unable to locate the lions after a long night of searching.

"KWS continues to monitor the situation closely and remains on high alert. Ensuring the safety of the public is our top priority," KWS stated.

Residents of Lang'ata are urged to stay vigilant and report any wildlife sightings to KWS for immediate intervention. The wildlife service provided a 24-hour hotline number, 0800 597 000, and a WhatsApp contact, 0726 610509, for reporting such incidents.

This is not the first time stray lions have been spotted in Nairobi. In July 2021, residents of Ongata Rongai experienced a similar scare after sighting a lion in their area. They quickly informed KWS officers, who, along with police, intervened to ensure public safety.

Photos from the 2021 incident showed the lioness lying in a narrow alley between a building wall and an iron sheet fence. KWS wardens managed to tranquilize the lion and transported it safely in a land cruiser vehicle as a crowd watched.

KWS continues to emphasize the importance of public cooperation in reporting wildlife sightings to ensure both human and animal safety.