Two suspected ivory traffickers were arrested in Kapenguria, West Pokot County, on November 24, 2024, after authorities discovered elephant tusks weighing 15.7 kilograms and valued at Sh15.8 million. The two suspects were apprehended in a lodging they had booked in Ortum town, where they were waiting for a potential buyer for the illegal cargo.
The tusks, neatly sealed in a black bag, were recovered during a joint operation by the police and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials. The arrest came after authorities received a tip-off about the suspects’ involvement in the illegal trade and their plans to sell the ivory. The traffickers, whose identities have not been revealed, were detained at the local police station as investigations continue, and they will face charges under the Wildlife Conservation Management Act of 2013 for the possession of wildlife trophies of endangered species.
This incident underscores the ongoing battle against the poaching and illegal trade of ivory in Kenya, as the demand for elephant tusks continues to fuel the black market, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. Despite the international ban on ivory trade, the illicit trafficking of elephant tusks remains rampant, with Africa’s elephants being targeted for their tusks at alarming rates.
The tusks seized in Kapenguria were likely sourced from at least four elephants, with officials suggesting that the animals were killed in nearby parks. The tragic reality is that tens of thousands of elephants are killed each year across Africa for their ivory. It is estimated that approximately 30,000 elephants are poached annually, and the demand for ivory continues to be a significant threat to the survival of these majestic creatures.
In Kenya, the KWS and other stakeholders have ramped up efforts to combat wildlife crimes through the use of high-tech surveillance, including drones, to track poachers and monitor wildlife populations. These efforts have proven successful in recent years, with Kenya reporting zero rhino poaching in 2020, the first such achievement in nearly two decades. Such accomplishments are testament to the ongoing battle against poaching, but also highlight the challenges of eradicating the menace.
The seizure of ivory in Kapenguria is part of a broader regional and global issue, as Kenya has increasingly become a transit route for ivory smuggled from eastern and central Africa and destined for Asian markets. In response, Kenya has adopted stringent anti-poaching laws and enhanced security measures at national parks and reserves, with the goal of protecting its wildlife from criminal exploitation.
On April 30, 2016, Kenya demonstrated its commitment to fighting poaching by setting ablaze 105 tonnes of elephant ivory and 1.35 tonnes of rhino horn in a highly symbolic act. This bonfire, led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, burned the remains of approximately 6,500 elephants and 450 rhinos that had been killed for their ivory and horns. This powerful gesture drew global attention to the devastating effects of wildlife trafficking and called for greater international cooperation to combat the illegal trade in wildlife products.
The increasing involvement of organized criminal syndicates in the illegal ivory trade means that tackling this issue requires more than just law enforcement efforts. Community education, interagency collaboration, and intelligence-led operations are key elements of Kenya’s strategy to address wildlife crime. These initiatives aim to reduce the demand for ivory by raising awareness about the destructive impact of poaching on ecosystems and local economies.
As the world continues to grapple with the issue of wildlife crime, Kenya’s role as a leader in wildlife conservation remains critical. While challenges persist, the country’s proactive approach to protecting its elephants and other endangered species is helping to set an example for the rest of Africa and the world. The latest ivory seizure is a reminder of the need for continued vigilance, stronger enforcement, and international cooperation to protect wildlife from poaching and trafficking.
