Kenya set to torch over 120 tonnes of ivory

Kenya will torch over 120 tonnes of ivory seized by government agencies from poaching groups to step up the fight against poaching.

State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu said on Sunday that Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta will lead global actors in torching 120 tonnes of ivory during the the Giants Club Summit, a wildlife protection initiative scheduled to take place in Laikipia, Kenya from April 29-30.

"The fact that this summit will be the single, biggest summit of its kind in Africa's history is an encouraging sign that there is sufficient political goodwill on the continent to enable our collective conservation efforts to succeed," Esipisu said in Nairobi.

Kenyatta will host the Giants Club Summit which brings together several African Heads of State, corporate leaders, philanthropists and conservation experts to work towards a lasting solution to the poaching of elephants and illegal-wildlife trade.

"Both Kenya and Africa rely, in part, on our natural resources, including our wildlife, for the economic growth and development, which is a pre-requisite for peace, security and stability," the presidential spokesman said.

Esipisu added the killing of animals affects not only the ecosystems and environment but also the tourism sector.

As a result, it is incumbent upon Kenya to lead the regional and global conservation efforts, the spokesman said.

The main objective of the Giants Club which is founded in 2015 is to support the implementation of the African Elephant Action Plan (AEAP) by enhancing political, financial and technical capacities. Endit