By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has intensified its campaign against bushmeat consumption and illegal wildlife trade in parts of eastern and coastal Kenya.
KWS warned communities about the health, environmental and economic dangers linked to the practice.
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In a statement issued under the #SayNoToBushMeat campaign, KWS said its officers had completed a public awareness drive across Kitui, Kajiado, Machakos and Taita Taveta counties, reaching communities in Mutha, Kasala, Kanziku, Kisasi, Voo, Ikanga and Ikutha.
“KWS teams have traversed areas including Mutha, Kasala, Kanziku, Kisasi, Voo, Ikanga, and Ikutha to educate communities on the dangers of bushmeat consumption and the negative impact illegal wildlife activities have on conservation, public health, and livelihoods,” the agency said.
The wildlife agency said the campaign focused on protecting species such as dik-diks, giraffes, elands and zebras, which it noted are essential in maintaining balanced ecosystems.
According to KWS, dik-diks and elands help control vegetation and disperse seeds, while giraffes support the regeneration of acacia woodlands through selective browsing.
Zebras, the agency added, help sustain healthy grasslands by grazing and creating space for new vegetation growth that benefits other wildlife species.
KWS also cautioned residents against the health risks associated with handling and consuming bushmeat, warning that the practice exposes communities to zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans.
“The Service is also emphasizing the value of wildlife conservation to Kenya’s tourism industry, which supports jobs, community enterprises, national revenue, and local development,” KWS said.
The agency urged members of the public to report illegal wildlife activities and support conservation efforts aimed at promoting sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.
