Kenya lobbies for total ban on ivory trade at UNEA2

Kenya called for the complete ban on the ivory trade at the United Nations Environment Assembly on Tuesday.

UNEA2 opened at the headquarters of the UN Environment Programme in the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Monday.

Judi Wakhungu, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Water and Natural Resources, submitted two government proposals – one on a total ban on ivory trade and another on natural capital.

Speaking to the media on the side-lines of UNEA2, Ms Wakhunga said: “We have been working on the total ban of illegal trade on wildlife products for the last two years and the UNEA II is set to send a strong message to the world that as a country we are serious because our iconic species are endangered.”

Tuesday’s UNEA2 session was focussed on ending the illegal trade in wildlife and participants included Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service Kitili Mbathi, and CITES Executive Secretary John Scanlon.

Wakhungu said: “Climate change is a big issue now. The UNEA II assembly is set to send a strong message that all countries must come together and provide solutions… We must address the nexus between the environment and human health.”

In April this year, Kenya burned more than 100 tonnes of ivory and rhino horn and President Uhuru Kenyatta (pictured) has called for a total ban on the ivory trade to protect the future of African elephants.