The Kenyan government set ablaze about 15 tonnes of contraband ivory as it joined the rest of the world in marking World Wildlife day. This is the third time Kenya has burnt illegal ivory since 1989.
Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta says the move is meant to send a clear message to the world – that his country will never allow the trade of products from endangered animal species.
“Twenty-five years after the historic banning of the ivory trade, demand from the emerging markets once again threatens Africa’s elephants and rhinos,” President Kenyatta said.
The burning of the ivory was to show that wildlife trophies must be put “beyond economic use”, he said.
“We want future generations of Kenyans, Africans and indeed the entire world to experience the majesty and beauty of these magnificent animals.
“Poachers and their enablers will not have the last word in Kenya.”
