NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Wildlife Service has ruled out an infectious or transmissible disease as the cause of the deaths of 16 elephants in the Amboseli-Kimana-Kitenden ecosystem, with preliminary investigations pointing to cyanide poisoning.
In a statement on Friday, August 7, KWS said the elephants died between June 24, 2026, and July 31, 2026, across the ecosystem. The dead elephants mainly comprise adult females and calves that showed weakness and partial paralysis in their limbs before dying.
“Importantly, findings to date do not indicate an infectious or transmissible disease,” the service stated.
KWS noted that it deployed veterinary and scientific teams from Nairobi, Tsavo, and Amboseli immediately after the first case was reported on July 24. The teams conducted post-mortem examinations on the elephants, collected samples, and intensified surveillance.
The service said it is working with the Government Chemist and the University of Nairobi to carry out toxicological, microbiological, and other laboratory analyses.
Preliminary laboratory findings by the University of Nairobi indicate that cyanide poisoning is the most likely cause of the elephant deaths.
However, the service said it is awaiting the completion of confirmatory tests to verify the findings and determine the source and pathway of exposure.
“KWS is awaiting completion of confirmatory testing to align laboratory findings with individual case records, and to trace the exposure pathways and origin,” the agency stated.
Multi-agency investigation launched
KWS has requested the Pest Control Products Board to lead a multi-agency technical team to determine whether crop protection chemicals or other pesticides may have been improperly used, stored, or disposed of in the ecosystem.
The service is also examining whether giant star grass (Cynodon plectostachyus), a cyanogenic species, could have contributed to the exposure.
The deaths have raised concerns over the safety of one of Kenya’s most important wildlife conservation areas.
The Amboseli ecosystem is globally renowned for its large tuskers and serves as a critical wildlife corridor linking Amboseli National Park with surrounding community conservancies and cross-border habitats.
Public assurances
KWS Director General Erustus Kanga assured the public that the service is committed to establishing the facts and keeping the public informed as investigations continue.
“The Kenya Wildlife Service is committed to establishing the facts and keeping the public informed every step of the way,” Kanga said.
KWS has also assured the public and tourism stakeholders that Amboseli National Park remains safe and fully operational, with no evidence of an infectious or transmissible disease.
The agency has intensified ranger patrols, elephant surveillance, and veterinary monitoring across the ecosystem as investigations progress
