Why Hoteliers Back Plan to Eradicate Invasive Birds at Kenya’s Coast

By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter

Kenya, 7 January 2026 - Hoteliers along Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline have welcomed a government–led initiative to control and eradicate invasive bird species, saying the campaign will protect local ecosystems, reduce damage to infrastructure and enhance the tourism experience in a region heavily dependent on visitors and natural beauty.

The drive focuses on curbing populations of birds such as spotted doves, laughing doves and francolins, species that conservationists allege are non-native, breed rapidly and outcompete indigenous wildlife for food and habitat.

These invasive birds have been blamed for ecosystem imbalances, crop damage, noise disturbances and increased droppings that can corrode buildings and tourist facilities.

“We applaud this campaign. For years guests have complained about bird droppings on outdoor dining areas, walkways and landscaping,” said Fatuma Mwangi, general manager of a prominent hotel in Diani Beach. “It affects our image, hygiene and the overall tourist experience.”

Mwangi added that clearing invasive birds will dovetail with broader coastal clean-ups and beautification efforts underway across beach towns.

The Environmental and Tourism Angle

Kenya’s coastal region, from Mombasa and Kilifi to Lamu and Malindi, is a major tourism magnet, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to its sandy beaches, coral reefs and Swahili cultural heritage.

The hotel and hospitality sector contributes significantly to local employment and foreign exchange earnings.

However, hoteliers say that the proliferation of certain bird species has created multiple challenges:

Infrastructure damage: Acidic droppings stain façades, erode outdoor furnishings and block drainage systems.

Noise and nuisance: Large flocks congregate near dining spaces, pools and gardens, scaring guests and creating noise pollution.

Ecosystem disruption: Conservationists claim invasive birds disturb nesting grounds of native species such as indigenous seabirds and turtles, further stressing already-vulnerable ecosystems.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and partners, including county governments and community groups, have joined hands with hospitality players to roll out a targeted control strategy that includes humane capture, relocation (where feasible), habitat modification and community education on reducing attractants such as unprotected food waste.

Officials stress that eradication efforts are scientific, measured and environmentally sensitive, ensuring that legally protected and endemic species are not harmed.

Policy Backing and Scientific Support

According to KWS regional director Michael Nyaga, the campaign was designed after surveys showed that invasive bird populations were expanding into urban and natural areas at an accelerated rate, feeding on agricultural crops and displacing local fauna.

“We are applying globally recognised best practices in bird management and engaging experts on humane control methods,” Nyaga said. He added that coastal counties had drafted regulations to support zero tolerance for harmful bird attractants, particularly open waste food, unsecured bins and unmanaged gardens that encourage large roosting flocks.

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Ecologists and ornithologists have also emphasised the need for sustained monitoring. Dr. Wairimu Kioko, a lecturer in environmental science at a Kenyan university, explained:

“Invasive species can upset the balance of local ecosystems. Their rapid growth affects indigenous wildlife, alters food webs and may contribute to declines in species that tourists come to see.”

Kioko said that while removing non-native birds is important, the campaign must also strengthen habitat restoration, such as replanting indigenous flora, to ensure long-term ecological resilience.

Community Engagement and Economic Spin-Offs

Hoteliers and local businesses have pledged support beyond rhetoric.

Several resort associations have agreed to help fund awareness campaigns and support clean-up operations that reduce potential feeding grounds.

They also plan to collaborate with coastal communities to promote tourism-friendly environmental practices.

County governments have thrown their weight behind the initiative, with Kilifi County Environment Executive Abdul Rashid describing the campaign as a “win-win for environment and economy,” noting that pristine natural spaces attract higher-spending tourists and encourage longer stays.

Small-scale vendors, boat operators and tour guides have echoed these sentiments, saying that a cleaner, more balanced ecosystem can only help the region’s branding and competitiveness, especially as destinations like Zanzibar, Seychelles and Mauritius refine their own environmental tourism products.

Challenges and Precautions

Despite the enthusiasm, experts warn that invasive bird control is not a one-off exercise.

A coordinated, long-term approach with regular monitoring, public participation and scientific evaluation is necessary to prevent resurgence.

They also emphasise that campaigns must always comply with Kenya’s Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, which protects certain bird species and habitats.

Some critics caution that eradication programs must be wary of unintended consequences, such as disturbing food chains or encouraging the rise of other pests. Authorities have responded that environmental impact assessments are part of the planning and implementation process.

Industry players believe the move could serve as a model for other regions where biodiversity, hospitality and urban living converge.

If successful, it may enhance the coastal tourism brand, improve guest experiences and contribute to healthier ecosystems, aligning economic goals with environmental stewardship.