Wildlife Trade and Transnational Organized Crime in Kenya: Case of Kajiado County
Loading...
Date
2024-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Wildlife trade is a significant global issue, with organized criminal networks playing a
critical role in driving this illicit trade. This study focused on the illegal wildlife trade
and Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) networks in Kajiado County, Kenya. The
study aimed to examine Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) on local communities, wildlife
populations, and the broader ecosystem, and explored potential solutions and
interventions for addressing TOC, and the IWT in Kajiado County. The study was
grounded in the crime as a business perspective theory. A mixed methods research
design was adopted in the study, which had both qualitative and quantitative
approaches in data collection and analysis. The target population consisted of
household heads as representatives of the local communities, law enforcement
officials, wildlife experts, traffickers, poachers, and buyers, comprising a sample size
of 398. Data was collected through quantitative and qualitative methods, including a
survey, Focus Group Discussions, and interviews with law enforcement officials,
conservationists, and community members, using questionnaires, key informant
interview guides, and focus group discussion guides, which was piloted in Taita
Taveta County with a pre-test size of 3 percent of the sample size. Data validity was
ensured through content, construct, and criterion validity, with data reliability being
ensured through inter-rater, test-retest, and internal consistency corroboration. Data
presentation was done through measures such as percentages and frequencies in tables
and charts. Observations were recorded in plates as images. Above all, in undertaking
the study, the researcher upheld the ethical considerations that guided research
processes, prerequisites as outlined by Kenyatta University. The findings shed light
on the intricate dynamics of illegal wildlife activities in Kenya's Kajiado County.
Economic factors driving illegal wildlife activities, such as poverty, lack of alternative
livelihoods, and lucrative profits from wildlife trade, are identified as significant
contributors to the persistence of wildlife crime in Kajiado County. The study
underscores the importance of conservation efforts in combating illegal wildlife trade,
including community-based conservation initiatives,and wildlife habitat protection
measures. The study unravels critical insights into the species targeted, methodologies
employed, market destinations, the role of local communities, law enforcement and
prosecution issues, economic driving forces, conservation endeavors, wildlife
population trends, the policy and legal framework, and community perceptions and
attitudes. Additionally, the study explores potential solutions and interventions for
mitigating wildlife trade in Kenya. These findings serve as a valuable resource for
policymakers, conservation organizations, and local communities in devising effective
strategies to combat these challenges. In conclusion, this study underscores the
importance of comprehensive conservation strategies that protect a wide range of
wildlife species, from iconic elephants and rhinos to lesser-known yet ecologically
significant creatures. Furthermore, the study highlights the intricate interplay between
human communities and wildlife activities, emphasizing the need for balanced
conservation efforts, tailored engagement and education strategies, conflict resolution
mechanisms, and environmentally conscious practices. The study recommends on
strengthening legal framework, fostering international collaborationand promoting
sustainable livelihoods
Description
A Project Report Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award
of the Degree of Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy in the School Of Law,
Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University. April, 2024
Supervisor
Francis Mulu