Kenya Wildlife
Task Force
The establishment of the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF) in 2021 by Focused Conservation in collaboration with the Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations marks an important step in addressing wildlife trafficking issues in Kenya.
The KWTF was specifically initiated to tackle the challenges posed by wildlife trafficking in the country. By bringing together the expertise of Focused Conservation and the Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the task force aims to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts and counter wildlife crime more efficiently.
The KWTF likely operates through a coordinated approach, utilizing the resources and capabilities of both Focused Conservation and the Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations. This collaboration enables them to combine their knowledge, skills, and networks to target wildlife traffickers and dismantle their networks operating within Kenya.
Key species of protected wildlife have been seized in several important law enforcement operations, including the seizure of nearly 200 kgs. of elephant ivory and over 47,213 kgs of sandalwood. The significant efforts by the KWTF to address the illegal sandalwood trade in Kenya has raised awareness globally to illegal logging involving protected timber.
As outlined in the Focused Conservation Concept Document, we are helping others become a pioneering force in the battle against wildlife crime. Our primary mission is to combat illegal wildlife trade by providing invaluable support to law enforcement agencies, assisting them in their investigations, arrests, and prosecutions of wildlife traffickers. In a remarkable collaboration in 2021, Focused Conservation, backed by the U.S. Department of Interior ITAP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, played a pivotal role in the inception of the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF). KWTF has already achieved groundbreaking results, leading to substantial arrests, seizures, and the unraveling of crucial links to wildlife crime. Join us in making a profound impact on wildlife conservation and the protection of our natural world.
Latest News
Operation Penguin results in more Sandalwood seizures in Kenya
In a continuing effort to combat illegal wildlife activities, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF) has once again demonstrated its effectiveness in a successful law
Operation Zebra nets ivory traffickers in Kenya
The Kenya Wildlife Task Force successfully executed an undercover operation that resulted in the arrest of two suspects who attempted to sell elephant ivory.
Operation Dik Dik results in more Sandalwood seized in Kenya
The Kenya Wildife Task Force, along with a multi-agency team, located a car transporting 600 kilos of protected sandalwood. In what is being dubbed
Operation Swara nets more Sandalwood traffickers in Kenya
The Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF) arrested suspects who had been intercepted by Kenya Police Service and National Police Reservists from Loisaba Conservancy driving vehicles
Kenya Wildlife Task Force – elephant tusks and leopard skins seized
On June 23, 2023, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force arrested 2 suspects near Kianjai, Meru County, Kenya for attempting to sell two (2) elephant tusks
Kenya Wildlife Task Force seizes 23 full Elephant tusks
On May 24, 2023, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force acted on intelligence that resulted in the seizure of 23 elephant tusks weighing approximately 113.75 kgs.
Sandalwood Investigation in Kenya nets additional arrest
In March, 2023, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF) acted on intelligence that resulted in the seizure of 5450 kilos of sandalwood. Two (2) suspects
Kenya Wildlife Task Force arrests ivory trafficker
The Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF) acted on intelligence that a suspect near Nzaui, Kenya was attempting to sell elephant ivory. The operation known as