This archive report was first published on 6 August 2019.
On August 6, 2019, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers made a significant breakthrough in the fight against the trade of wild game meat in Naivasha. The team impounded over 200kg of wild meat that was being transported to Nairobi's popular Burma Market.
The latest incident has shed light on Naivasha and Gilgil as the primary sources of wild game meat consumed in the market. According to KWS assistant director of Central Rift Region, Aggrey Maumo, the cases of game meat trade have been on the rise in the area recently.
During the arrest, three individuals were apprehended at Marula Farm, located off the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, as they were loading buffalo meat into a personal car. The tip-off was made by security guards of the farm.
Maumo emphasized that the majority of the game meat that ends up in Burma market is sourced from Naivasha and Gilgil. He stated, "Our intelligence indicates that majority of the game meat that finds its way in Burma market is sourced from Naivasha and Gilgil and we are keen to contain this."
Maumo further highlighted the issue of wild animals being killed and sold to unsuspecting customers. He added, "There are so many wild animals away from the parks and the ranches and the unscrupulous traders are taking advantage of this to kill them and sell the meat to unsuspecting customers."
As part of their efforts to curb the issue, KWS has formed a special team to work with local communities to protect the wildlife.
Notably, this arrest comes just a couple of days after officers arrested two suspects along the highway while in possession of 14kgs of elephant ivory.
Previous incidents have also highlighted the issue of bush meat trade in the region. In June 2019, about 800kg of bush meat was seized in Burma Market, Nairobi, and 15 people were arrested for selling it as beef to unsuspecting customers.
Buying and selling bush meat is illegal, and those arrested face a jail term of not less than three years without the option of a fine. Moreover, consuming bush meat poses a public health risk due to the potential presence of diseases like Ebola and anthrax.
Brenda Gamonde is a reporter with Business Today.
