Marabou Stork: A wading headache for Nairobi's outdoor food vendors

Business owners in Nairobi are grappling with an unusual but persistent challenge; thanks to wading marabou storks.

The large birds, often seen perched on trees, have become a significant public menace, creating an unsanitary and unpleasant environment that threatens the livelihood of local entrepreneurs.

“Hizi birds zimekuwa zikitusumbua sana. When a customer comes, they spoil the food for them na unapata once that happens, huyo customer hawezi rudi hapa,” Evans Maina, a fruit vendor along Lenana road, laments.

The marabou storks, known for their imposing size and scavenging habits, have increasingly taken up residence along the Nyayo Stadium roundabout, Lenana Road, among other spots.

“They are drawn by the availability of food scraps and open garbage dumps in the neighboring areas. However, their presence is far from benign.

The food vendors in the vicinity report that the birds frequently drop waste from atop the trees, including bones and other carcasses; onto parked vehicles and even pedestrians, causing damage and driving away potential customers.

Health concerns have also been raised, as the birds are known to carry bacteria and other pathogens that could pose a risk to public health.

The accumulation of droppings and waste contributes to foul odors and unsanitary conditions, further exacerbating the problem.

“The smell is very off-putting so I opt to pick my food as take-away. However, the stalls with umbrellas come through when I need to seat to enjoy my meal” Seth Alusa, a frequent customer says.