NAIROBI, Kenya — A zebra caused a stir in Nairobi’s Kayole area after residents spotted it roaming freely through the streets in an unusual sight that quickly went viral online.
In a video widely shared on social media, the zebra is seen trotting along a busy road as it calmly follows a group of donkeys through the neighbourhood. Motorists slowed down, while pedestrians stopped to film the unexpected visitor.
Many residents expressed amusement and disbelief at the sight. Some described the moment as fascinating and humorous. Others raised concerns about public safety and the animal’s welfare.
“This is something you expect to see in the park, not in the middle of Kayole,” one resident said in a video clip shared online.
The incident sparked intense debate on social media platforms. Kenyans questioned how a wild animal managed to stray deep into a densely populated urban area without immediate detection. Some users called for stronger wildlife control measures, while others blamed rapid urban expansion.
The zebra sighting comes only days after another wildlife scare in Nairobi. Two lionesses were recently spotted outside Nairobi National Park, heightening anxiety over rising human-wildlife interactions in the capital.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) later confirmed that the lionesses were safely handled.
“The two lionesses earlier sighted outside Nairobi National Park have been successfully tracked using the EarthRanger system and safely guided back into the park by KWS patrol teams during the night,” KWS said in a statement.
“The situation is fully under control, and the public may safely go on with their normal activities.”
Following the Kayole incident, KWS officers moved in to assess the situation and secure the zebra. Authorities did not immediately explain how the animal escaped its natural habitat.
However, wildlife officials noted that such incidents are becoming more frequent due to expanding urban settlements that encroach on traditional wildlife corridors.
Experts warn that Nairobi’s rapid growth continues to squeeze buffer zones between the city and Nairobi National Park. This increases the likelihood of animals wandering into residential areas in search of food, water, or safe passage.
Wildlife conservationists have urged residents to remain calm when such encounters occur. They advise members of the public not to provoke animals and to report sightings promptly to KWS or local authorities.
“Kenyans should avoid approaching wildlife or attempting to chase them away,” a conservation expert said. “Quick reporting helps authorities respond safely and effectively.”
Nairobi remains one of the few cities in the world with a national park on its doorstep. While this unique setting supports tourism and conservation, it also presents ongoing challenges for coexistence.
The Kayole zebra incident, like the recent lioness scare, underscores the delicate balance between urban development and wildlife conservation in the capital.
