| dc.description.abstract | This study focused on the impact of illegal wildlife trade on international security using
Kenya as a case study with a bias on ivory poaching in Kenya. It therefore examined the
poaching trends as well as the rationale for poaching in Kenya linking these two to armed-non
state actors and transnational organized crime networks (TNOCs). The study set out two
hypotheses namely: that the increased involvement of armed non-state actors and TNOCs in
illegal trade in wildlife resources undermines states stability and that increased poaching and
trafficking of wildlife resources is fueled by corruption and undermines governance and rule of
law. The study relied on the liberalism theory, which appreciates the plurality of actors in the
international system.
The study established that illegal trade in ivory has necessitated and increased
militarization of poaching and wildlife protection. Poverty; weak legislation penalizing illegal
trade; corruption among law enforcement agencies; and thriving ivory consumer markets
particularly in East Asia, were identified as the key drivers of this illicit trade making it “low-risk
and high-profit”. The study has recommended strengthening of national legislation;
strengthening of capacities of regulatory institutions; increasing international cooperation and
multiagency collaborations; and tackling demand through awareness campaigns on the role of
illegal trade in wildlife, as responses towards reduction of illegal trade in wildlife species and
products. | en_US |
