Involve all stakeholders in fight against poaching

By Shadrack Mbaka, Nairobi

 The illegal trafficking of wildlife now ranks as the third largest criminal industry in the world.

Last weekend, Kenya awoke to the slaughter of an entire herd of elephants in the Tsavo East National Park.

This was just one of the many episodes of poaching witnessed in our national parks; it also paints a gloomy picture of an upsurge in poaching within our parks, game reserves and private conservancies.

 Best bet

Best bet in bringing to a stop the rampant surge in poaching is creation of awareness to ultimately enhance wildlife conservation, involve the communities and sensitise them on the importance of wildlife to their lives and the economy.

 I think that holistic approach will improve this sector. Together we can help save many endangered species and protect the wilderness areas of the world.

As rhino and elephant poaching continue at alarming rates across the Africa continent, in some countries the penalties for illegally hunting endangered species remain unchanged.

Kenya has been confronted by what has long been described as a new breed of poachers who are highly sophisticated in this vice and well-resourced international crime syndicates the use of paramilitary tactics and employment of game ranchers, hunters and veterinarians to acquire tusks and horns.

However, the saddest aspect is that Kenya’s fines are negligible when compared to the commercial stakes. Wildlife is a precious national heritage that must be protected by all means possible.

Investigations and follow-ups are required to independently establish why the Kenya Wildlife Services seems to be losing the war to poachers.

According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, tens of thousands of African elephants are killed each year to supply the market with between 50 and 120 tons of ivory. 

An estimated 800 kilograms of illicit rhino horn reach Asian markets each year.

 There is a direct link between the illegal killings of animals and drugs, thereafter export of game trophies and powerful political and business cartels.

We cannot afford our wildlife to be in the hands of a few who are making millions at the expense of the over 40 million Kenyans.