KAJIADO, Kenya — The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has expressed deep sorrow following the death of a 35-year-old Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teacher who was killed in a human–wildlife conflict incident in Kajiado West, renewing calls for strengthened mitigation measures in wildlife-adjacent communities.
In a condolence message issued on Monday evening, KWS confirmed that Ms. Eunice Kuria Maora lost her life in an incident reported in Lairupa Village, Lodokilani area, describing the death as tragic and deeply painful.
“KWS is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Ms. Eunice Kuria Maora, a 35-year-old ECDE teacher, following a human–wildlife conflict incident in Lairupa Village, Kajiado West,” the agency said.
“We mourn this painful loss alongside her family, colleagues, learners and the Lodokilani community, and extend our heartfelt condolences during this time of profound grief.”
According to the wildlife agency, KWS officers, working alongside partner agencies, responded immediately after the incident was reported and took lawful measures to prevent further loss of life.
The elephant involved in the incident was identified and legally killed.
“KWS responded immediately with partner agencies, took all lawful measures to prevent further loss of life, and has intensified efforts to support the family and strengthen human–wildlife conflict mitigation,” the statement read.
The service said the incident had prompted renewed internal reviews on human–wildlife conflict response mechanisms, particularly in high-risk regions bordering wildlife conservation areas.
“This tragedy weighs heavily on us, and we reaffirm our commitment to protecting lives while promoting peaceful coexistence,” KWS added.
Human–wildlife conflict remains a persistent challenge in parts of Kajiado County, where expanding human settlement, livestock grazing, and farming increasingly overlap with wildlife migration corridors.
Conservation experts have repeatedly warned that without sustained investment in early-warning systems, fencing, compensation mechanisms, and community engagement, such incidents are likely to persist.
Education stakeholders in the area described Maora’s death as a major loss not only to her family but also to young learners who depended on her guidance during formative years.
Local leaders have in recent months urged the national government and conservation agencies to accelerate the implementation of conflict-mitigation strategies, including the installation of deterrent infrastructure and faster response units.
Under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, victims of human–wildlife conflict or their families are eligible for compensation, though affected communities have often raised concerns about delays and bureaucratic hurdles in accessing relief.
KWS did not disclose further details on the specific circumstances of the incident but indicated that engagement with the affected family and community is ongoing.
The death of the ECDE teacher adds to a growing list of fatalities linked to human–wildlife conflict nationwide, reigniting debate on how Kenya balances wildlife conservation with the safety and livelihoods of communities living near protected areas.
