By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, July 7, 2026- The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has launched an operation to relocate hippos that were displaced from Lake Ol Bolossat following prolonged drought, in a move aimed at reducing escalating human-wildlife conflict in Nyandarua County.
The exercise, being undertaken in partnership with the Nyandarua County Government and local communities, involves capturing, habituating and translocating the animals from Mukindu Dam in Rurii Location to a more suitable habitat where they can thrive safely.
The hippos migrated to Mukindu Dam in 2023 after Lake Ol Bolossat—the only natural lake in Central Kenya—dried up significantly due to prolonged drought conditions linked to climate change.
Although the dam offered the animals temporary refuge, their presence brought them into close contact with nearby communities. The hippos have been leaving the dam at night to graze, destroying crops and increasing the risk of dangerous encounters with residents.
KWS said the relocation programme seeks to strike a balance between protecting communities and conserving wildlife by moving the animals to an environment better suited to their long-term survival.
"The operation aims to safely capture, habituate and relocate the hippos to a more suitable habitat where they can thrive without posing a threat to surrounding communities," KWS said in a statement.
The wildlife agency noted that the initiative is being carried out in collaboration with local residents to ensure the exercise is conducted safely while addressing concerns over crop destruction and public safety.
Officials said the operation will help reduce human-hippo conflict, which has intensified since the animals settled at Mukindu Dam, while safeguarding one of Kenya's most iconic aquatic mammals.
KWS also cited the incident as a stark reminder of the growing effects of climate change on wildlife and ecosystems across the country.
The agency warned that prolonged droughts and habitat degradation are increasingly forcing wild animals to abandon their natural habitats in search of food and water, bringing them into conflict with people.
Lake Ol Bolossat, which supports a rich diversity of wildlife and bird species, has experienced fluctuating water levels in recent years due to changing weather patterns and environmental pressures.
KWS said the translocation exercise highlights the importance of proactive conservation measures and partnerships between government agencies and communities to protect both people and wildlife as climate-related challenges become more frequent.
More from Kenya