Police and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials in Kwale County made a significant breakthrough in the fight against wildlife poaching, recovering 15 elephant tusks valued at an estimated Sh10.6 million. The tusks, which included 13 full pieces and two that had been cut into smaller parts, were abandoned by two suspects who had been transporting the ivory.
The recovery occurred in the Sokomoko area of Lungalunga, Kwale, after security agents closed in on the suspects’ hideout. The two suspects managed to escape, leaving behind their illicit cargo and a motorcycle bearing Tanzanian registration plates. It is believed that the tusks had been smuggled across the border from Tanzania for sale in Kenya, where they would likely have been further trafficked to markets in Asia and the Middle East, regions notorious for their demand for elephant ivory.
Despite the tusks being recovered, the escape of the suspects highlights the ongoing challenge of wildlife poaching in the region. The illegal ivory trade continues to be driven by high demand, particularly in Asia, where tusks are used to create ornaments and traditional medicines. This illicit trade poses a grave threat to the survival of African elephants, with large numbers of these majestic animals still being poached every year.
Kenya has taken several steps to curb poaching, including the use of advanced surveillance technologies, such as drones, to monitor elephant movements and detect poachers. The Kenya Wildlife Service, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has also stepped up intelligence-led operations and community education programs to raise awareness about the dangers of wildlife crime. These efforts have seen successes, such as the achievement of zero rhino poaching in 2020, a significant milestone in the battle to protect endangered species.
In addition to these measures, Kenya has enacted stringent anti-poaching laws and has made significant efforts to strengthen security at national parks, ensuring that poachers face severe consequences. The recovery of the tusks in Kwale underscores the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration in protecting Kenya’s wildlife heritage.
