Kenya calls for int'l partnerships to fight illegal wildlife trade

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday urged for international partnerships in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.

Speaking during a meeting with visiting U.S. Secretary for Interior Sally Jewell in Nairobi, Kenyatta said the East African nation is focused on partnering with other countries in conserving wildlife and other endangered species.

"We are ready to work with everybody because this is not just for us but for future generations globally. We cannot afford to allow our wildlife to be wiped out," the President said in a statement after the meeting.

The U.S., China and EU member states have deepened their cooperation with Kenya in the area of wildlife protection.

The meeting comes after both Kenya and U.S. governments signed a long-term agreement that will aid the country's wildlife service to minimise poaching and illegal logging by improving security surveillance at ports of entry and purchase better surveillance equipment.

The U.S. will also help in engaging communities on benefits accruing from wildlife

The killing of elephants, rhino and other wildlife species is having a huge impact on tourism sectors of countries such as Kenya, and the authorities have stepped up surveillance on traffickers of ivory. Enditem