Kenya is deepening its commitment to the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their critical habitats. On September 8, 2026, conservation stakeholders gathered at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Headquarters in Nairobi for a national workshop on the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

The workshop brought together representatives from KWS, the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and other key stakeholders to deepen understanding of AEWA and identify implementation priorities for Kenya. Hosted by KWS, the workshop was facilitated by Sergey Dereliev, Acting Executive Secretary of UNEP/AEWA. It was opened by Adan Kala, Senior Assistant Director, Conservation Science, who represented the KWS Director General.

The day began at 7 a.m. with a bird walk at Nairobi Safari Walk, offering participants an opportunity to observe birds first-hand and appreciate the habitats that underpin the conservation efforts discussed during the workshop. This immersive experience set the tone for the day’s deliberations, grounding policy discussions in the living landscapes that migratory waterbirds depend on.
The workshop provided an overview of AEWA’s treaty structure, governance, financing and implementation processes, followed by a consolidated presentation on AEWA implementation in Kenya by Solomon Kyalo and Dr. Philista Malaki of NMK.
Participants also examined the AEWA Strategic Plan 2019–2027/2028, including its objectives and targets, before turning to reporting processes and Kenya’s immediate and mid-term implementation priorities.

AEWA is an intergovernmental treaty dedicated to the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats across the African-Eurasian flyway. The agreement covers 255 species of birds that are ecologically dependent on wetlands for at least part of their annual cycle, including ducks, geese, swans, waders, terns and flamingoes. As migratory waterbirds move across countries along the African-Eurasian flyway, their conservation depends on coordinated action across borders and institutions.
The workshop brought together personnel involved in conservation legislation and policy, biodiversity planning, species and site monitoring, protected area management, wildlife management, communication, capacity building and resource moralisation. This multi-sectoral approach reflects the understanding that the conservation of migratory waterbirds requires the integration of diverse expertise and perspectives.

The workshop provided a platform for Kenyan stakeholders to strengthen their understanding of AEWA and chart practical steps towards meeting the country’s conservation commitments. The event concluded with discussions on next steps and strengthening national implementation of AEWA, with Dr. Ronald Mulwa of NMK and Sergey Dereliev leading the closure.
This initiative aligns with the KWS Strategic Plan. By participating in international agreements like the AEWA, Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in trans-boundary conservation efforts, recognising that the protection of migratory species requires collaboration that transcends national borders.
The conservation of migratory waterbirds focuses on not only protecting birds, but also safeguarding the wetlands and ecosystems that sustain them, and, by extension, the communities that depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. As migratory waterbirds traverse countries along the African-Eurasian flyway, their conservation depends on coordinated action across borders and institutions.
To support KWS conservation efforts, including the protection of migratory waterbirds and their habitats, please visit https://kwspay.ecitizen.go.ke/donate.