Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala has issued a 45-day amnesty for persons in possession of the African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) without a permit issued by KWS to visit any KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service) office for declaration, registration and permission to keep the birds.

The species is said to be on the brink of being listed as endangered, hence the decision to by the government, local and international conservation agencies push to protect it.

The 45-day amnesty, vide Gazette Notice No.11522, lapses on December 8 2021.

The cabinet secretary further, on December 1, directed that the declarations should be done at the licensing office at KWS headquarters” in Nairobi or at the nearest regional KWS offices.

The directives, which had been earlier issued on November 4, 2021, reminded the public that “KWS will contact all persons who have made declarations with details of date and KWS.”

The statement did not specify why the ministry would contact owners of the birds, other than, presumably, for census purposes ad authentication of the information given.

Further, the statement says, the conservation agency is interested in the information on the African grey parrots for documentation, registration, permitting and payment of requisite fees.

“All permits which have been issued for possession of African grey parrots are renewable annually. Holders of permits that have expired are reminded to renew their permits within the 45 days of the amnesty. Any person(s) or entities, who upon expiry of this amnesty, is or are found in possession of African grey parrots without a valid permit, will be liable for prosecution,” the minister warns.

• A Tell report