At Naka Estate in Nakuru County, an ordinary day unfolds with the extraordinary sight of baboons turning rooftops into their playground. Young baboons dangle from internet and TV cables, while some amusingly brush their teeth using old toothbrushes scavenged from the neighbourhood.
Beneath this aerial spectacle, children from the estate scatter at the approach of adult baboons—a situation they have been forced to adapt to over the past six months since the invasion began.
“They’ve taken over the estate. They’ve claimed rooftops and fruit trees, and since the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) hasn’t removed them from residential areas, their population keeps growing,” said resident Michael Akala.
Naka Estate borders Lake Nakuru National Park. Although occasional sightings of baboons venturing out of the park are not unusual, residents say the current invasion has become a serious problem. The animals break into homes, steal food, and frighten residents.
For some, like Ann Wambui, the impact is all too visible in the trail of destruction they leave behind.
“It feels like living in the forest,” she said.
For her, even something as simple as storing fruit indoors has become an invitation for intrusion, as demonstrated by several break-ins at her home.
The situation has become so dire that some residents have been forced to make drastic decisions. When The Standard visited the estate, one resident was in the process of moving out due to the ongoing disturbances.
According to Betty Akala, the inability to enjoy basic comforts—such as leaving doors and windows open for ventilation, or taking a nap during the day without fear—has created an atmosphere of constant anxiety.
“We had to move because we could no longer cope with the disturbances,” said Viola Wanjiku.
Hosea Barkeshan, a caretaker in one of the houses, emphasised the need for KWS to intervene.
“We cannot take matters into our own hands because of the law. KWS must ensure we’re protected from stray animals,” Barkeshan said.
Incidents of wildlife straying out of Lake Nakuru National Park have become increasingly common. Just recently, KWS officers were forced to shoot stray buffaloes that had wandered from the park.
