Indian House Crow Threaten Livelihoods in Kenya.

The Indian house crow, designated as a pest under Kenya’s Wildlife Act, has become an escalating threat across the country, endangering ecosystems, harming farmers’ livelihoods, and impacting tourism.

Initially introduced to East Africa in the 1890s to manage waste, the crow population in Kenya has soared to an estimated 700,000, wreaking havoc particularly in coastal regions. Farmers, such as Julius Charo, have faced severe challenges as the birds compete for livestock feed and prey on smaller animals.

“I bring enough food for my animals, but when the crows compete for the feed, it’s never sufficient. I had to sell most of my pigs, leaving only two to manage,” Charo shared.

Tourism in areas like Watamu has also been affected. Hotels grapple with the birds, which snatch food from guests’ plates, creating safety concerns, especially for children.

“The crows are a nuisance, stealing food from plates and even children’s hands,” said Geoff Bell, owner of Ocean Sports Resort.

Beyond their disruptive behavior, the crows are dangerous carriers of diseases, including the West Nile virus and Newcastle disease, which can infect both humans and animals.

“Indian house crows are known to transmit up to eight diseases,” noted Eric Kinoti, coordinator of the Crows No More program at A Rocha Kenya.

These invasive birds also threaten Kenya’s biodiversity, outcompeting native species and leading to a decline in indigenous bird populations, which impacts birdwatching tourism.

Efforts to control the crow population have been sporadic. A recent initiative using starlicide poison—a method successfully implemented in Djibouti and Eritrea—culled over 5,500 crows in Kilifi, Malindi, and Watamu. Starlicide is designed to metabolize within 10-12 hours, ensuring the carcasses are safe for scavengers.

“The poison metabolizes by the time the bird dies, eliminating the risk of secondary poisoning,” explained Kinoti.

Experts, including Paul Gacheru from Nature Kenya, emphasize the need for a regional strategy, as the birds can easily cross borders.

“Birds don’t recognize borders. If you eradicate them here, others could come from neighboring areas,” Gacheru cautioned.

Despite some progress, inadequate funding and resources remain significant barriers. Without sustained support, the Indian house crow will continue to disrupt Kenya’s ecosystems, livelihoods, and economy.