For the next two weeks, Special Agents from the United States (US) will be working with Kenyan law enforcement officers to catch criminals.
According to a statement from the US Embassy in Kenya, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has already landed in Africa, in Botswana.
They will work towards cracking down on poaching, smuggling, and other transnational wildlife crimes.
The training, held at Africa’s premier policing hub, the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Botswana, also includes officers from Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, and Namibia.
Special Agents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Office of Law Enforcement are training law enforcement officers from Kenya over the next two weeks to investigate and combat wildlife trafficking and related transnational crimes at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Otse, Botswana.
The course also includes participants from Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, and Namibia.
Also Read: KWS Arrests 3 Wildlife Traffickers, Seizes 6 Elephant Tusks
What the Training With US Agents Will Include
The program covers the same investigative tactics used to bring down some of the world’s most dangerous trafficking syndicates.
This includes advanced anti-poaching operations to tracking smugglers at ports and airports.
According to the embassy, Kenya’s participation reflects a growing commitment to protect elephants, rhinos, and other endangered species.
This, while dismantling billion-dollar crime networks that also fuel weapons smuggling, drug trafficking, and corruption across borders.
Kenya has in recent years intensified its anti-trafficking response with expanded anti-poaching patrols, advanced surveillance at ports and airports, and tougher penalties under national law.
The government’s participation in the program reflects its commitment to stopping traffickers before they move contraband across borders.
Kenya has enhanced its law enforcement response to wildlife trafficking through expanded anti-poaching operations, advanced surveillance at ports of entry, and stronger penalties under national law.
Kenya’s participation in this training highlights its commitment to preventing wildlife crime, dismantling transnational trafficking groups, and enhancing cooperation with regional partners.
Also Read: US Embassy Issues Notice to Kenyans on Skipping Classes While on Student Visas
About the Wildlife Trafficking Investigators Program
The Wildlife Trafficking Investigators Program equips officers with the same advanced tools and strategies used to bring down major organized crime networks.
Through interactive exercises, peer learning, and USFWS-led instruction, participants sharpen their ability to detect, investigate, and dismantle trafficking operations.
Although the immediate aim is to protect endangered species such as elephants, rhinos, and the rare Mountain Bongo antelope, the program addresses bigger criminal threats.
“Established in 2000, the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Gaborone is Africa’s premier institution for law enforcement training and regional security cooperation.
“It is supported by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and is a joint initiative between the United States and the Government of Botswana,” stated the notice.
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