A lion strayed from Nairobi National Park and fatally attacked a 14-year-old girl in her home compound on Saturday Evening.
The tragic incident occurred at Savannah Ranch, a residential area situated on the southern border adjacent to the park.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed that at around 7 pm, they received reports that a lion had entered a residential compound within Savannah Ranch, which lies opposite Nairobi National Park across the Mbagathi River, and attacked the girl, who was a Grade 7 pupil at a local primary school.
According to the Service, the harrowing attack was witnessed by another teenager who immediately raised the alarm, prompting swift action from KWS rangers and emergency response teams.
“KWS rangers and response teams were swiftly mobilised and traced bloodstains leading to the Mbagathi River, where the girl’s body was recovered with injuries on the lower back,” KWS said in a statement.
They noted that officers from Olosirgon Police Station later processed the scene that night.
The girl’s body has since been moved to Nairobi Funeral Home by KWS officers, who were accompanied by her father.
KWS said it has deployed teams to comb the area in search of the lion and has also set a trap, assuring the public that immediate efforts are underway to reinforce security measures and prevent further incidents. “The lion was not sighted at the scene.”
Compensation process.
If you've suffered injuries or property damage due to wildlife-related incidents in Kenya, you may be eligible for compensation from KWS.
Kenya's Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (2013) provides for the conservation, management, and sustainable use of wildlife resources. It also outlines procedures for compensation for damage caused by wildlife.
KWS Compensation Policy, based on the Act, provides guidelines for compensating individuals who have suffered injuries or property damage due to wildlife-related incidents.
Key aspects of the policy include:
Eligibility: Compensation is available to Kenyan citizens or residents who have suffered losses due to wildlife damage to property or personal injury.
Types of compensation: Covered losses include crops, livestock, property, and personal injury/death.
Application process: Claims must be submitted in writing to KWS within 90 days of the incident, with supporting evidence and documentation.
Assessment: KWS conducts investigations and assessments to determine the validity and value of claims.
Payment: Compensation amounts are determined based on the severity of damage or injury and in accordance with the Act and policy.
Appeals: Claimants can appeal decisions to the KWS Board or courts if necessary.
The policy aims to strike a balance between wildlife conservation and human-wildlife conflict mitigation, ensuring fair compensation for affected individuals while promoting sustainable coexistence with wildlife.
To initiate the process, submit a written claim to KWS within 90 days of the incident, providing detailed information about the incident, losses incurred, and supporting evidence.
KWS will then review your claim and conduct an investigation. If your claim is approved, you'll receive compensation based on the severity of the injury or damage and the applicable laws and policies.
