A man was recently charged in Nakuru Court for the possession of elephant tusks worth an estimated Sh4.7 million. The accused was charged with dealing in and possessing a specified endangered wildlife trophy without the required permit, under the Wildlife Conservation Management Act of 2013. The charges were filed after the suspect was found with a 47.3-kilogram elephant tusk, which had been sought for illegal sale.
The incident occurred on March 29, 2025, at around 5:20 p.m. in Elburgon Ward, Nakuru County. Intelligence received by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) led to an undercover operation aimed at capturing the suspect who was suspected of possessing and attempting to sell an elephant tusk. Following a tip-off, an undercover officer, accompanied by an informant, made contact with the suspect, confirming the tusk’s authenticity. The tusk was subsequently weighed and verified, showing it weighed 47.4 kilograms.
This led to the immediate arrest of the individual, who was later charged with violating Section 92(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Management Act. The accused denied the charges but was granted bond in the amount of Sh150,000 or an alternative cash bail of Sh100,000. The court also set the next mention of the case for April 9, 2025.
The confiscation of the tusk highlights the ongoing battle against wildlife crime in Kenya, particularly the illegal ivory trade, which continues to thrive despite global efforts to curb it. Elephant tusks have a high demand in the black market, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, where they are used in the production of ornaments and traditional medicines. This illegal trade continues to drive poaching activities, particularly in African countries, where elephants and rhinos are still being killed for their ivory and horns.
Despite the international ban on ivory trade, the illicit trade remains a significant challenge, exacerbated by the growing demand for ivory in overseas markets. While many African countries, including Kenya, have enacted stringent laws to protect wildlife, poaching remains a pressing issue, with elephants and rhinos being particularly targeted. Kenya, which has faced significant poaching challenges in the past, has taken a firm stance on combating wildlife crime through various measures, including the implementation of high-tech surveillance systems such as drones to track poachers and monitor wildlife movements.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), together with other stakeholders, has intensified efforts to address poaching, particularly targeting illegal wildlife trafficking and reducing the demand for illegal wildlife products. These efforts have been successful in some areas, as evidenced by the fact that Kenya reported zero rhino poaching in 2020, marking the first time in nearly two decades that no rhinos were killed for their horns.
To combat wildlife crime effectively, KWS has adopted a multifaceted approach that includes enhanced community engagement, education programs aimed at raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation, and greater interagency collaboration. Intelligence-led operations have become a critical tool in identifying and dismantling wildlife crime syndicates. By gathering information and using it to target specific individuals and groups involved in illegal wildlife trade, authorities have been able to make significant strides in curbing poaching and trafficking.
The illegal ivory trade, while still a major issue, has seen progress thanks to the combined efforts of local authorities, international organizations, and concerned individuals. The arrest of individuals like the one in Nakuru sends a strong message that wildlife crime will not be tolerated and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species for future generations. With continued vigilance, education, and cooperation, Kenya remains hopeful in its fight to protect its wildlife from the devastating effects of poaching and illegal trade.
