By -Antony Gitonga

Tourism stakeholders in Coast Province are pushing for urgent and stringent measures to end poaching.

They asked the Government to set up a special taskforce within the Director of Public Prosecution’s office to investigate and prosecute suspects.

At the same time, the industry players demanded for heavier sentences against those found engaging in poaching activities.

“We demand hefty fines and deterrent sentences to be meted against those found guilty of wildlife related crime. The current fines are a mockery and lenient to offenders and should be reviewed,” said Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association executive officer Millicent Odhiambo.

Other organisations that have expressed concern over widespread poaching include Tsavo Tourism Stakeholders Association, Taita-Taveta Ranchers Association, Amara Conservation and Africa Network for Animal Welfare.

WILDLIFE HERITAGE

Ms Odhiambo said tourism was the second highest income earner in the country and everything should be done to protect the wildlife heritage.

“The number of visitors to the Coast has been on the decline, one of the reasons being low numbers of animals in the parks,” noted the CEO.

Speaking in Voi town after presenting a protest note to the local District Commissioner’s and Tsavo Conservation Area Senior Assistant Director offices yesterday, Odhiambo demanded arrest of those concerned.

Odhiambo further called on the Government to cease trading with China unless they resolve on total ban on ivory and rhino trade.

WAR ON POACHING

At the same time, conservationists have said the war against poaching would not be won until Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) incorporates communities neighbouring national parks and reserves.

“The communities which have co-existed with wildlife for many years know who poachers are. We don’t know why they are being excluded. Had they been brought on board long time ago, the menace could now have been contained,” said Narok County Wildlife Forum Coordinator Nick Murero.

They advised that the Government should break KWS into two entities  — one dealing with the management of national parks and reserves and the other be placed under the police for the protection of wildlife.  KWS is set to closely work with county governments to enhance tourism and wildlife conservation management in the North Rift region.