Status of Wildlife Crime in Kenya

KWS Ag. Director General, Mr. William Kiprono
issues a statement on status of wildlife conservation in
Kenya during a press conference at KWS headquarters
 in Nairobi.

As is the general trend globally and in the region, we are witnessing an emergence of new challenges in wildlife security. Wildlife crime has evolved over time and the situation is presenting increased challenges to wildlife conservation in the country.

In the recent past, wildlife crime has been exacerbated by climate change, human population pressure and dynamics in the global economic order. Growing affluence and economic growth in East and South-East Asia contributed immensely to increased demand for rhino and ivory. The rising demand and price of ivory and rhino horn in the illicit market continues to drive poaching. Consequently, Kenya’s wildlife (rhinos, elephants and the large cat family) are among the contraband products driving illegal wildlife trade globally.

Poaching has become more organized, sophisticated and international in nature and is occurring across all their ranges including in those areas that were hitherto considered safe havens. Proliferation of small arms in the region and in the illegal hands of citizens in areas hosting wildlife is a big threat to the security of wildlife as these weapons are used in poaching in addition to committing other crimes. Poachers are now using poison arrows to kill elephants – which is a silent and dangerous method of killing elephants as it is not easy to detect.

Available evidence indicates that the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 witnessed the highest levels of poaching since the poaching crisis of the 1980’s. "For example, Kenya lost 47 elephants and 5 rhinos to poaching in year 2007 as compared to 384 and 30 in year 2012, and 302 elephants and 59 rhinos in year 2013 respectively. But we are glad that we are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to concerted efforts by many stakeholders, including you. Last year, only 164 elephants and 35 rhinos were poached representing about 47 per cent and 40.7 per cent, respectively, representing a significant decrease from previous years. While these figures are indicative of the success of our concerted efforts, they still represent damage to our wildlife capital." KWS Ag. Director General, Mr. William Kiprono during the press conference.

Furthermore, a total of 50 firearms and 616 rounds of ammunition and 5 tonnes of ivory were recovered during 2014. During the year, a total of 1,430 suspects were arrested and prosecuted for various wildlife law offences. "This represents a 7.68 per cent decrease compared to the previous year which had 1,549 arrests. We have successfully prosecuted and secured convictions of up to 51 of the 306 cases handled by our officers within the provisions of the new law." Said Director Mr Kiprono.

The highest penalty in 2014 was 9 years imprisonment with an option of a fine of Ksh. 20 million. Other cases are still pending before various courts of law across the country.

To enhance wildlife security, strengthen law enforcement and address wildlife crime, KWS has deployed specific security interventions. These strategies include:

• Identification, surveillance and profiling of trophy dealers.
• Arresting and prosecuting offenders.
• Active security operations to hunt down poachers.
• Establishment and strengthening of specialized security units which are deployed throughout the country.
• Deployment of Canine Unit at Jomo Kenyatta and Moi International Airports in Nairobi and Mombasa, respectively, to enhance detection of contraband ivory.
• Training and building the capacity of law enforcement personnel
• Formation and deployment of Inter-Agency Elite Anti -Poaching Unit in poaching hot-spots
• Collaboration with other national security agencies and the regional Lusaka Agreement Task Force as well as cross border collaboration with other countries in the region.
• Reaching out to local communities to be partners in wildlife law enforcement

"Internally, KWS is continuously building staff capacity to deal with these challenges. We also recruited and deployed additional 566 rangers to enhance wildlife security and enforcement actions. Several specialized training and equipment have been provided to security units to improve on their efficiency and effectiveness. 

Mr Kiprono said "while we await the commissioning of Forensic lab within the next couple of months, we are conducting forensic analysis to aid in crime scene management. Samples of various species, especially the key species have been collected for DNA profiling to assist in identification and monitoring of wildlife species. Very soon, this lab will aid in evidence gathering and securing convictions in courts of law."