Aerial photo of eight buffaloes that had strayed from Tsavo East National Park. Photo Vedio Capture. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Panic gripped Iviani Primary School and it's surrounding community when eight buffaloes strayed from Tsavo East National Park, venturing dangerously close to the school compound early this week.
The wild animals, known for their unpredictability and strength, posed a serious risk to the safety of school children and residents. However, what could have ended in disaster was averted by the swift and coordinated intervention of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), working in collaboration with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
With aerial surveillance and expert ground coordination, the rescue team successfully steered the buffaloes through heavily populated areas, carefully avoiding direct encounters with people. The operation covered a stretch of nearly two kilometers, ending with all eight buffaloes safely returned to the national park.
No injuries or damage were reported during the entire rescue effort.
"This operation is a powerful reminder of what strong partnerships can achieve,” KWS said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring both community safety and the protection of our wildlife heritage.”
Residents of Iviani praised the quick action taken by authorities, expressing relief and gratitude that the situation was resolved without harm to people or animals.
The incident underscores the growing need for proactive wildlife management and continuous community sensitization, especially in regions bordering protected conservation areas.
As human settlements increasingly expand closer to national parks, such encounters may become more frequent. Conservationists and local leaders alike are calling for enhanced buffer zones and continued investment in wildlife-human conflict mitigation strategies.
