U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Robert F. Godec joined Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Hon. Najib Balala in launching a fleet of 26 new vehicles donated to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The vehicles will support KWS in combating wildlife trafficking and poaching. Four additional vehicles will be purchased in the future.

The vehicle handoff was part of the Kenya Wildlife Protection and Conservation Program, a three-year grant awarded to KWS by USAID. In addition to support for combating wildlife trafficking, the $5 million program supports KWS in conserving wildlife, natural ecosystems, and biodiversity inside and outside its protected area system.

From 2012 to 2016, Kenya experienced an 83% decline in rhino poaching and a 78% decline in elephant poaching.  Governments, donors, wildlife organizations, communities, and many dedicated men and women have come together to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to combat poaching and wildlife trafficking, and ensure that communities and wildlife mutually benefit from this important work.