The Kenya Wildlife service has issued a 21-day amnesty starting 30th March for anyone holding wildlife trophies illegally to surrender them or face the law.
According to the Environment Cabinet Secretary Judi Wakhungu , the amnesty is part of preparations for the setting a blaze of the largest ivory stockpile in Africa set for this month urging that those who will surrender the trophies within the timeline will not be prosecuted.
“In the spirit of the upcoming ivory and rhino horn burning, I would like to offer a 21-day amnesty for the surrender of any wildlife trophies, which are held without a permit issued by the Kenya Wildlife Service,” Wakhungu said at a news conference to update Kenyans on preparations of the event.
Wakhungu directed those holding any ivory, rhino horn or any other wildlife trophies, jewellery or trinkets made from the animal parts to surrender them to the KWS director-general at KWS headquarters in Nairobi.
“Those holding the trophies can also surrender them to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) assistant directors at regional offices in Mombasa, Voi, Nyeri, Marsabit, Kitale, Nakuru and Meru National Park”, the CS said.
Wakhungu said the government remains committed to ensuring elephants and rhinos are accorded the highest level of protection.
“Although the burn will not put an end to illegal trade in these items, it sends a strong message and demonstrates our commitment to seeking a total global ban,” she said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta will lead 10 African Heads of State and heads of major businesses operating in Africa, Global philanthropists, key influencers and leading wildlife protection experts who are committed to the protection of elephants in Africa and international celebrities including Hollywood stars in torching 105 tonnes of ivory and 1.3 tonnes of rhino horns during the upcoming ’Giants Club Summit to be held in Nairobi.
The Summit, which is expected to address elephant poaching crisis in Africa also seek to work towards a lasting solution for the conservation of the continent’s wildlife.
