Two lions escape from Lake Nakuru National Park, sparks panic in Barut

Residents of Barut are living in fear after two lions escaped from Lake Nakuru National Park and wandered close to their homes.

Steve Mwangi said that he saw the two lions as he was returning home from work on August 7 at around 9 pm, when he was approaching the bridge that separates Mwariki and Sewage.

David Kering, Senior Chief of Barut, says that he was made aware of the situation and was able to coordinate with KWS to solve the problem.

However, he says that the fence separating the park and the estate has become porous over time.

"Since last night, we have not received any further reports of sightings, but we are urging residents to remain cautious," he says.

Lake Nakuru National Park Assistant Director Emmanuel Koech confirms that they were informed of the lion sighting near the Ndarugu River, and that they sent officers to patrol the area.

"We sent officers to patrol the area, but there have been no further sightings. We believe the two animals made their way back into the park," he says.

The issue of porous fences around Lake Nakuru National Park is a major concern for local residents.

James Mwangi, a farmer from Barut, says that predators have come from inside the park and killed their livestock.

“We have many cases of wild animals preying on livestock in this area, and ultimately, we don't feel safe because these animals could also turn on us and our children,” he laments.

Njeri Nyaboke, from Kivumbini, says they want a lasting solution to the problem because they cannot keep living in fear.

Gideon Kebate, the Lake Nakuru National Park warden, says that vandalism has been a major problem.

“We have an electric fence all around the park, but the main challenge is the criminal elements who steal the tight lock. This fence looks like a chicken fence and is specifically designed for wildlife. It is highly galvanised, making it very expensive, and once they have stolen it, they short circuit the other fence and steal it entirely,” he says.

During an interview on February 24, 2024 with the deputy district warden in charge of human-wildlife conflict, James Keleli, it was revealed that the park was undergoing maintenance and that a 78 km fence was being upgraded.

He said that the upgrade would make the fence hyena- and lion-proof from the Naishi area of Pwani and that it would soon extend to the Mwaraki and Naka areas and around the perimeter of the old Lake Nakuru National Park to replace the old fence with a modern protective one.

However, Mr Kebate says that they have not yet undertaken this endeavour, as they are still in talks with the community to acquire the submerged lands before embarking on it.