A man was on Tuesday arraigned before the Nakuru Magistrate’s Court for dealing in and possessing a specified endangered wildlife trophy without a valid permit. The accused, who was apprehended in Elburgon ward, Nakuru, on March 29, 2025, was allegedly found with an elephant tusk weighing 47.3 kilograms, valued at approximately Sh4.7 million.
The suspect denied the charges and was granted a bond of Sh150,000 or a cash bail of Sh100,000. The case is set for mention on April 9, 2025.
According to reports, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) received intelligence indicating that an individual was in possession of an endangered wildlife trophy and was actively looking for a buyer. Acting on the tip-off, an undercover officer, accompanied by an informant, met with the suspect in Elburgon ward. The officer confirmed the authenticity of the elephant tusk, which was later weighed and verified at 47.4 kilograms. The suspect was then arrested by KWS officers.
The accused was charged with the offence of possessing Wildlife Trophies of Endangered Species, contrary to Section 92(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Management Act 2013. This arrest highlights the ongoing battle against illegal wildlife trade in Kenya, despite stringent anti-poaching measures.
The illegal trade in elephant tusks continues to thrive due to high demand in Asia and the Middle East, where ivory is used for making ornaments and traditional medicines. Poaching remains a major threat to Africa’s elephant population, despite an international ban on the ivory trade.
In recent years, Kenya has intensified efforts to curb poaching by deploying high-tech surveillance equipment, including drones, to monitor wildlife and track poachers. The government, through KWS and other stakeholders, has also implemented enhanced community education, interagency collaboration, and intelligence-led operations to combat wildlife crime. These efforts led to zero rhino poaching in Kenya in 2020, a significant milestone in conservation efforts.
The arrest in Nakuru underscores the continued vigilance required to protect Kenya’s wildlife. Authorities remain committed to eradicating poaching and ensuring those involved in illegal wildlife trade face the full force of the law.
