KWS gets Sh170m boost for forensic lab

Kenya Wildlife Service's Head of Veterinary Services Dr Francis Gakuya shows how a forensic and genetic laboratory kit that is part of a Sh170 million donation by the Canadian government. With him is Canadian High Commissioner to Kenya Mr David Angell (centre) and KWS Director-General Kitili Mbathi. PHOTO | JAMES KARIUKI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By  James Kariuki

What you need to know:

  • The new facility, the first in eastern and central Africa, will enable the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) analyse all game trophies and game meat exhibits.
  • The forensic reports from the lab can be produced before criminal courts as evidence, thereby helping secure conviction against poachers and game trophy dealers.
  • Mr Mbathi noted the equipment received would also enable KWS enhance night patrols, thereby curbing poaching incidents.

Kenya’s fight against poaching received a new boost on Thursday after the Canadian government donated Sh170 million equipment for a wildlife forensic and genetic laboratory.

The new facility, the first in eastern and central Africa, will enable the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) analyse all game trophies and game meat exhibits.

The forensic reports from the lab can be produced before criminal courts as evidence, thereby helping secure conviction against poachers and game trophy dealers.

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KWS Director-General Kitili Mbathi also received an assorted equipment from the Canadian High Commissioner to Kenya Mr David Angell that included night-vision equipment and protective gear for use by rangers with public and private game sanctuaries.

Mr Angell commended KWS for its concerted efforts to curb poaching saying the planned destruction of ivory worth Sh100 billion was a global statement that Kenya would not allow game ivory trade to thrive within its borders.

Mr Mbathi noted the equipment received would also enable KWS enhance night patrols, thereby curbing poaching incidents.

“By burning the entire ivory pile, Kenya has taken a bold step that is worth emulating across Africa and the world at large,” he said.

The planned destruction will take place on April 30.

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