Kenya Wildlife Service struggles to stop poaching

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s wildlife authority said Tuesday it needs help to curb the escalation of killings of the country’s endangered elephants and rhinos for ivory tusks and horns.

Poachers have killed 18 rhinos and 51 elephants so far this year, Kenya Wildlife Service chief William Kiprono said.

Kiprono denied that a poaching cartel exists within the organization and said that steps are being taken to ensure that none of its employees engage in poaching.

Since 2009, 17 wildlife service employees had been fired and some prosecuted, three had been demoted and five others fined. He said 26 were investigated but no evidence found, Kiprono said. “We don’t condone or engage in this kind of thing (poaching),” Kiprono said.

Last week Richard Leakey, a famed scientist and founding head of the Kenya Wildlife Service, alleged the service had been infiltrated by powerful people enriching themselves from poaching.

Leakey, whose family has been investigating the origins of man for decades in Kenya’s Turkana region, urged Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to overhaul management at the wildlife service.

Wildlife service rangers need better equipment to allow them to tackle poaching effectively, said the service’s species expert Patrick Omondi. The rangers need night vision equipment to see poachers, who use night vision binoculars to hunt elephant and rhino in the dark. Poachers also use satellite phones to communicate in remote areas where normal radio frequencies cannot reach, said Omondi. Such equipment is expensive and the wildlife service needs help in purchasing it, he said.

“We don’t need criticism we need support,” Omondi said.

Last year 302 elephants were killed in Kenya, down from 384 in 2012, out of an estimated population of 35,000, according to wildlife service statistics. Last year 59 rhinos were killed up from 30 in 2012.

Demand for ivory from China’s rising middle class and demand for rhino horn in Vietnam again are imperiling two of Africa’s most iconic creatures, according to the wildlife service.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Arlington
Man steals Snohomish County deputy’s vehicle, captured moments later

Deputies say the suspect from a hit-and-run earlier Wednesday crashed into the home of a relative before attempting to escape.

Everett fire destroys home under construction, damages adjacent structures

The fire happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday. No injuries were reported.

Everett
Open house on Everett comprehensive plan coming Feb. 26

The state requires fast-growing cities like Everett to create comprehensive plans, which plan for population growth, transportation improvements and more.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Jasmine Donahue talks about being a place for people leave messages when looking for family members, friends or loved ones on the street on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett extends deadline for homeless service facing closure

Hope ‘N Wellness must now comply with city zoning laws by April 30. The organization is “grateful,” its owner said, but still hopes for a permanent solution.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

New Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce CEO CEO Wendy Poischbeg speaks at a kick off event on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Everett Rising’: Wednesday’s chamber luncheon to showcase a new era of growth.

The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is beginning its efforts… Continue reading

The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds School District faces estimated $8.5 million deficit

The shortfall is lower than previous years, but the effects are “cumulative,” Superintendent Rebecca Miner said.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.