We have been running a turtle project at Peponi for the last 8 years. David Olendo first introduced us to turtle conservation when he brought us a turtle's nest, which he found on Shela Beach in 1992 Due to an increase in beach traffic and egg poaching on the beach he asked us to lay the eggs in the hotel grounds so they could be protected until they hatched. On September 1, 1992, our first nest hatched and out of 146 eggs 112 hatchlings made it safely to the water. We were thrilled and our project grew from there.

Traditionally, sea turtles have been utilized in the local culture spiritually, economically, medicinally and as a source of food. Therefore, poaching for meat, oil and eggs along the Kenyan coast is rampant.

There are 5 species of sea turtles that have been sighted on the Kenyan Coast. However, only Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) have been know to nest on the coast of East Africa. We have both types of turtle nesting on Shela Beach and Takwa Beach.
The Green Turtle is the most common on the Kenyan coast and feeds on seagrasses and squid. In contrast, the Hawksbill turtle feeds mostly on sponges and other invertebrates. The Green turtle also tends to lay a larger clutch of eggs and are also bigger in size.

Since 1992 we have translocated over 30 nests. Over the last few years there have also been other turtle conservation programs along the Kenyan coast. We have also been working with the WWF, who started a marine protection and research program in the Kiwayuu area.