Countering Transnational Wildlife Crime Through Multi-agency Approach in Africa: a Case Study of Kenya (2010 – 2021)

Abstract

This study examined the successfulness of multi-agency approach in countering transnational wildlife crime in Africa utilizing a case study of Kenya (2010 – 2021). The international community is confronted by increasing wildlife crime which is responsible for increased poaching, illegal wildlife trade and driving some species to extinction thereby depriving communities, countries and regions of income opportunities. The best intentions and efforts notwithstanding, effective countering of transnational wildlife crime cannot be achieved by a single nation in the world or a single agency in a country. Therefore, countering transnational wildlife crime effectively calls for coordinated efforts structured on local, national, regional, and international cooperation. The study objectives include; “examining the type of multi-agency approach for countering transnational wildlife crime in Kenya, assessing the diverse strategies used in countering transnational wildlife crime in Kenya and analyzing the challenges facing the multi-agency collaboration in countering transnational wildlife crime in Kenya.” The structural-functional theory and the general systems theory were utilized to explain the workings of multi-agency approaches. This study was conducted within Nairobi City, Mombasa City and selected border posts which are key areas affected by transnational wildlife crimes and have multi-agency teams in place. Non-probability sampling techniques were used to select study population that had knowledge and mandate on countering transnational wildlife crime. The study employed both primary data generated through use of questionnaires, interview guide and FGD’s while secondary data was sourced from official periodic reports of security agencies, government ministries and departments, NGOs and IGOs, academic journals, thesis, dissertations, monographs, online reports, global wildlife crime reports and statistics. Qualitative analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data collected where descriptive statistics were used to describe the responses. The findings established that; the multi-agency approach for countering transnational wildlife crime in Kenya, is based on institutional framework anchored on numerous laws and institutions. The KWS is the government agency mandated to protect and manage wildlife resources in Kenya. Other key notable institutions mandated with countering transnational wildlife crime in Kenya include; the ODPP, NPS, NIS, DCI, KRA, KAA and KPA. Further, coordination is critical in enhancing the success of multi-agency initiatives. It was most effective in prosecution of wildlife crime cases and in multi-agency units established formally through a MoU and where coordination is explicitly provided for in legislation or engagement instructions. The multi-agency initiatives have led to reductions in poaching and wildlife trafficking through Kenya. The multi-agency efforts have faced myriad of challenges which include; inadequate resources, corruption and conflicting agency cultures among others. The study recommends for mainstreaming of multi-agency approach in an overarching legislation and policy instead of leaving it at the wish of agency leadership or sectoral policies. A concerted research directed towards developing up-to-date policies capable of solving 21st century wildlife crimes, which have advanced with global technological and logistical transformation is also recommended.