First Lady Margaret Kenyatta today called for the closing of all wildlife trophy markets worldwide because they fuel poaching.
“The war on poaching will not be won if the countries that drive the demand for these products do not shut the markets. We therefore call upon the international community to prevail upon the countries driving trophy demand globally to shut them down,” she said.
Kenyatta spoke at the KWS headquarters in Nairobi on Sunday during celebrations to fete Kenya’s wildlife conservation heroes.
This year’s conservation Heroes Day was marked with achievement as Kenya recorded a 90 per cent reduction in rhino poaching.
The day also coincided with the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of the Nairobi National Park.
A Global Rangers’ Survey conducted early this year showed more than 95 per cent of Kenya's wildlife rangers are proud of their work of protecting wildlife heritage despite working more than eight hours in some of the most difficult terrain and remotest places.
“It is because of the constant sacrifices of the men and women keeping vigil over our wildlife, that we are not only reducing the popularity of wildlife trophies in their core markets, but also gradually enlightening the world about the importance of preserving our unique flora and fauna for future generations to enjoy,”the First Lady said.
The work of rangers is unique in that they face mortal danger both from poachers and the wildlife they protect.
The First Lady called on Kenyans to play active roles in conserving the country’s wildlife heritage.
“Our people must play an inclusive role in wildlife stewardship and invest in nature based enterprises to reap sustainable benefits from our wildlife heritage,” she said.
Kenyatta said wildlife heritage is pivotal to Kenya’s tourism sector which attracts at least Sh120 billion to the economy on an annual basis.
The First Lady said the government is committed to the sustainable management of wildlife resources, in order to contribute to the country’s development and enhance the livelihoods of Kenyans.
She said Kenya’s unique wildlife species places it in an enviable position among other nations.
“On this auspicious Conservation Heroes Day, let us acknowledge that those who look after our wildlife deserve special mention for all that they do,” Kenyatta said.
“To the families of the fallen heroes represented here today, mere words are inadequate to express the gratitude we feel towards our conservation heroes."
KWS officers were presented with awards for exemplary efforts to conserve wildlife.
Special mentions were also given to wildlife rangers who died in the course of duty.
The names of those celebrated posthumously were read in different categories including those who were shot dead in confrontations with poachers; those who were killed while on investigative duties; those who drowned and those who died in fatal road accidents or air crashes while on official duty.
Tourism CS Najib Balala and KWS director general Charles Musyoki also spoke at the event.
CS Balala said the First Lady has been a champion of conservation and her efforts to protect elephants has led to banning of ivory in many countries.
The CS said the children of heroes who lose their life in the course of duty while serving should be given jobs with KWS.