Donation: KWS receives DNA extraction equipment

Ms. Oriana Zoghbi (L), QIAGEN Business Manager and Commercial Partner – EMEA, hands over a DNA extraction equipment to Ag. Director General Mr. William Kiprono (R) for use at Forensics and Genetic Laboratory at KWS headquarters on Wednesday (September 24, 2014). The machine will be used to help counter poaching and enhancing disease investigation and surveillance among wildlife.

Bio-Zeq Kenya and its partner QIAGEN has donated a DNA extraction equipment - automated nucleic acid extraction machine - to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to help counter poaching and enhancing disease investigation and surveillance among wildlife. 

Poaching is one of the most serious crimes investigated by wildlife forensics. The modern DNA-based molecular methods will aid in the fight against the poaching of endangered and protected species, and in the prevention of cruelty to animals through the new Wildlife Forensic laboratory based at Kenya Wildlife Service.

The DNA extraction equipment will be used in the Forensics and Genetic Laboratory when commissioned later this year. KWS commissioned the construction of the lab at its headquarters in July 2012.

During the handing over ceremony at KWS headquarters on Wednesday (September 24, 2014), Ms. Oriana Zoghbi, QIAGEN Business Manager and Commercial Partner – EMEA, congratulated KWS for the establishment of the forensic laboratory and its efforts to tackle poaching menace.

Ag. Director General Mr. William Kiprono welcomed the donation and said it will go a long way in enhancing prosecution through forensic investigations.

“Wildlife forensics based on DNA analysis will enhance our investigations on wildlife crimes and lead to convictions of offenders,” he said.

Besides, the laboratory shall be undertaking DNA sampling and profiling of poached wildlife and products seizures under the rhinoceros DNA Index system (RhODIS) and other mapping in partnership with University of Pretoria – Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (UP-VGL) with funding from WWF.

Once the forensic laboratory becomes operational, all live rhinos and other species, poached cases and existing stock piles will be profiled within the collaboration framework with UP-VGL.

QIAGEN is a leader in life science technologies and provides automated platforms for high through put for sample processing and analysis. Its technology provides key techniques, for example, automated nucleic acid extraction, pathogen detections, gene expression analysis, genotyping, mutation detection among others.