Residents of Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, have been urged to exercise caution after two lionesses escaped from Nairobi National Park and were spotted near the Sholinke Trading Centre, roughly 8 kilometres from the park and just 9 kilometres from central Ongata Rongai.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed the sighting on Wednesday, January 7, and said teams of rangers and veterinarians have been deployed to safely track, capture, and relocate the lionesses back to the park.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid the area, keep children indoors, and immediately report any sightings via the toll-free line 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp 0726 610 509.
“Two lionesses from Nairobi National Park have been sighted in the Sholinke Trading Area. KWS teams are actively managing the situation,” the service said. “Rangers are on site, and veterinary teams are en route to safely dart and relocate the animals. Public safety remains our top priority.”
Encounters with wild animals in public spaces, particularly lions and hyenas, have become increasingly common around Nairobi and neighbouring counties.
In March 2025, CCTV footage captured another lioness roaming a residential area in Rongai, sparking fear among residents. Similarly, in January 2025, KWS teams safely captured another escaped lioness in the same area.
Officials have suggested that some of these incidents may involve family groups of lions whose habitats lie close to urban settlements, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and wildlife management.
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