As demand for products like elephant ivory and rhino horn continues to rise and poaching methods become increasingly sophisticated, wildlife crime threatens the security, economy and biodiversity of East Africa. International networks for poaching, transit and sale of illegal wildlife products target wildlife populations across borders, creating a complex problem that transcends national boundaries. Kenya is currently the number one transit country for illegal wildlife products from Africa.

East Africa’s tourism industry depends heavily on wildlife and protected areas and brings over $3.5 billion to the region each year; roughly $1 billion to Kenya alone. The conservation and sustainable management of wildlife and habitats is crucial to the region’s long term economic growth and development.

In line with the U.S. National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking, USAID is taking urgent action to enhance wildlife management and the enforcement and prosecution of wildlife crime in East Africa.