Kisii County director for Environment Samson Bokea has denied assertions from residents that the bats that have invaded the town, especially those at the county government headquarters, are a nuisance and are making the place stinky.
Speaking to this reporter in his office on Thursday, Bokea said the bats feed on mosquitoes and other insects, hence can tame diseases such as malaria.
The director said the flying mammals are a beauty and blessing to the town.
He said he is liaising with the tourism department to see how they can make the mammals generate income for the county.
"The bats have no side effects; they are just a blessing to our town. They feed on mosquitoes and other insects and this is an advantage that we don’t know. We are thinking on how we can make them productive to the county. The tourism department and I will work on the best way on this," he said.
He added: “Since the bats feed on mosquitoes, this helps in reducing malaria cases. Kisii is malaria-prone.”
Bokea urged residents not perceive the mammals as a curse. “We must change the perception against bats and love them. You will find that in Western countries, they are protected. Why are we not protecting them here!? He wondered.
He urged the media to be in the forefront in educating the public on the importance of bats and added that they have no negative effects.
The director’s remarks come after residents decried over the stench and whiffing waste produced by the mammals at the county headquarters.
They have since asked the county to remove them to avoid embarrassment.
"The bats have made our town dirty and foul. They produce waste which is affecting the town’s environment. We also fear of contracting diseases from their waste," observed Nemwel Nyabwengi, a resident.
The officer said relocating or chasing the bats away will be a contravention to the Bio-Diversity Convention (BDC) which Kenya is a signatory to.
“Kenya is a signatory to the convention and we vowed to protect and take care of all creatures. Therefore, we cannot cut down trees and chase the mammals as some residents are suggesting.”
The environment officer said apart from feeding on mosquitoes and other insects, bats feed on Psidium gaujava (guavas), Lantana camara and berries. He revealed that they feed at night and rests during the day.
He said they prefer trees like a ficus because of its heavy canopy: “The bats like these trees because they feel protected against any attack and sun.”