This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
On August 21, 2019, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade updated its travel advisory to Kenya, warning citizens of the country's strict laws against ivory possession.
The advisory comes after two high-profile prosecutions of people caught with ivory bangles at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
According to the advisory, possession of ivory in any form is a crime in Kenya, punishable by a large fine or imprisonment. The Irish government emphasizes that there is no defense against this offense, which is considered strict liability.
Just days before the advisory was updated, a 50-year-old Spanish national, Pich-Aguilera Maria, was released after paying a Sh1 million court fine for possessing an ivory bangle weighing 0.025g. A week earlier, a French national, Laazibi Amal, was also fined Sh1 million for being in possession of an ivory bangle weighing 0.85 grams.
The Irish government advises its citizens to be sensitive to local customs, traditions, and practices, and to remember that local laws apply to visitors as well.
