Canada donates Sh160m to combat poaching in Kenya

BY RENSON MNYAMWEZI

Kenya:  The Canadian Government has committed Sh160 million emergency funding to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to combat international wildlife trafficking.

The money will build the capacity of KWS to combat international wildlife trafficking at source, thereby improving national security and stability in the rural and border areas by disrupting illicit networks involved in poaching and illegal trade of wildlife.

Specifically, the money will be used in wildlife security enhancement, equipping the forensic laboratory and outreach, public awareness and education on poaching.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird made the announcement at the just-ended London Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade which ran from February 13 to 14.

"Illegal wildlife trafficking is known to fund the drug trade,
corruption and terrorist activities in Africa," said Mr Baird. "Canada continues to make a positive contribution to this fight."

In his address to the conference, Mr Baird recommended that the world take urgent and decisive action to deal with the current poaching crisis that threatens the survival of the African elephants and rhinoceros populations.

Prof Judi Wakhungu, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Water and Natural Resources led a high-powered Kenyan delegation that included KWS officials to the London conference.