Fear and curiosity gripped students and residents after a lone hyena was spotted roaming just outside the gates of Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) on the night of Thursday, March 5.
A short video circulating on social media shows the wild animal casually walking near the university’s entrance, prompting alarm among those who frequent the area.
In the clip, the hyena appears calm as it strolls along the roadside, seemingly unfazed by nearby lights and human activity.
The sighting quickly sparked concern, with many wondering how the animal ended up so close to a busy academic institution.
A Rare but Possible Urban Human/Wildlife Encounter
While such sightings may appear shocking, wildlife experts note that hyenas are native to sub-Saharan Africa and sometimes wander near human settlements in search of food.
The spotted hyena, scientifically known as Crocuta crocuta, is one of the most widespread large carnivores in the region and can survive in a variety of habitats, including areas close to urban environments.
Nairobi’s proximity to wilderness areas such as Nairobi National Park means that occasional wildlife sightings within the city are not unheard of.
Predators like hyenas sometimes follow food trails, stray animals, or garbage sources that lead them toward populated areas.
Still, seeing one near a university gate was enough to unsettle many people online.
Video Triggers Panic and Plenty of Jokes
After the clip surfaced online, Kenyans flooded the comment section with reactions ranging from concern to pure comedy.
Some netizens joked that the hyena might have been heading to campus for late-night studies.
“Even hyenas are coming to pursue degrees at CUEA,” one commenter quipped.
Another joked about the animal’s possible intentions near the university’s entrance:
“Maybe it heard there’s a night class and came to register.”
Others urged caution, pointing out the potential danger of encountering wild animals at night.
“This is not funny. Someone walking home alone could panic,” another user wrote.
Some Kenyans also humorously linked the sighting to nightlife around the area.
“It heard there’s a party nearby and came to check the vibes,” another comment read.
Safety Concerns Raised
The unusual sighting has sparked conversations about wildlife movement around Nairobi, especially in areas bordering natural habitats.
Students and residents near the university urged authorities to monitor the situation to ensure public safety.
Although hyenas generally avoid humans, they can become dangerous if cornered or if they associate people with food sources.
For now, the viral clip continues to make rounds online, leaving many Kenyans both amused and uneasy at the thought of a nighttime campus visitor with sharp teeth and an unmistakable laugh.
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