KWS moves 5 elephants from Lukenya University in joint operation

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has successfully relocated five elephants that had strayed into Lukenya University.

The operation was carried out with support from Tsavo Trust, Kamungi Rangers, and the university’s wildlife management team.

"The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), with support from Tsavo Trust, Kamungi Rangers, and the Lukenya University team, successfully moved five elephants away from Lukenya University," KWS said. 

Lukenya University said the elephant relocation was carried out after learners reported that a herd within the conservancy had become unusually aggressive. 

The institution noted that it immediately alerted Tsavo Trust and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), who moved in to assess the situation.

“In response to alerts from our students regarding hostile elephant behaviour inside the conservancy, the university engaged KWS and Tsavo Trust for support,” the institution said in a statement.

According to the university, the operation took place at around 8:30 am, during which five elephants were guided to a quieter part of the 1,000-acre conservancy, far from busy student-use zones.

The institution commended the agencies for acting promptly.

“We appreciate the swift, professional intervention by KWS and Tsavo Trust, which ensured the well-being of both our students and the elephants,” the statement read.

The university also reiterated its commitment to conservation and peaceful coexistence with wildlife.

“As a green campus, we continue to prioritise environmental stewardship while safeguarding everyone within our community,” it added.

The operation followed concerns raised earlier in the week after a video circulated online showing elephants chasing two students riding a motorbike near the institution. 

The footage triggered public calls for immediate action to secure routes used by learners and prompted requests for KWS to tighten wildlife-human conflict management around the area.

This comes barely a week after KWS confirmed the successful capture and safe return of two lionesses that had strayed from Nairobi National Park.

The lionesses had been sighted near Rongai. 

The capture eased public anxiety after hours of heightened alert in surrounding areas.

KWS had issued a public advisory urging locals to remain calm, avoid the area, and report sightings through toll-free lines as rangers and veterinary teams worked to safely dart and relocate the big cats.

“This is an ongoing operation with public safety as our top priority,” KWS said.

Officers and police were deployed to manage crowds and ensure the area remained secure.

Incidents of lions straying from Nairobi National Park are not new.

Previous cases include lions venturing into Kitengela in 2019, a lion stuck near Tuskys in Ongata Rongai in 2021, and occasional sightings in nearby settlements since 2016.