Kenya Wildlife
Task Force
The establishment of the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF) in 2021 by Focused Conservation in collaboration with the Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations marks an important step in addressing wildlife trafficking issues in Kenya.
The KWTF was specifically initiated to tackle the challenges posed by wildlife trafficking in the country. By bringing together the expertise of Focused Conservation and the Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the task force aims to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts and counter wildlife crime more efficiently.
The KWTF likely operates through a coordinated approach, utilizing the resources and capabilities of both Focused Conservation and the Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations. This collaboration enables them to combine their knowledge, skills, and networks to target wildlife traffickers and dismantle their networks operating within Kenya.
Key species of protected wildlife have been seized in several important law enforcement operations, including the seizure of nearly 200 kgs. of elephant ivory and over 47,213 kgs of sandalwood. The significant efforts by the KWTF to address the illegal sandalwood trade in Kenya has raised awareness globally to illegal logging involving protected timber.
As outlined in the Focused Conservation Concept Document, we are helping others become a pioneering force in the battle against wildlife crime. Our primary mission is to combat illegal wildlife trade by providing invaluable support to law enforcement agencies, assisting them in their investigations, arrests, and prosecutions of wildlife traffickers. In a remarkable collaboration in 2021, Focused Conservation, backed by the U.S. Department of Interior ITAP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, played a pivotal role in the inception of the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF). KWTF has already achieved groundbreaking results, leading to substantial arrests, seizures, and the unraveling of crucial links to wildlife crime. Join us in making a profound impact on wildlife conservation and the protection of our natural world.
Latest News
Operation Bateleur: Kenyan Court Hands Down Sentences in Major Ivory Trafficking Case
Nairobi, Kenya — December 24, 2025 A specialized magistrate’s court at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has delivered a decisive victory for wildlife protection, sentencing
Kenyan High Court Orders Forfeiture of Vehicles in Landmark Sandalwood Trafficking Case
NAIROBI, KENYA – May 2, 2025 — In a significant step toward dismantling illicit wildlife trafficking networks, the High Court of Kenya has ordered the
Six Wildlife Traffickers Sentenced in Kenya Following Operation Boomslang
July 1, 2025 — Nairobi, Kenya In a landmark ruling that underscores Kenya’s commitment to combating wildlife crime, six individuals were sentenced to prison for
Landmark Sandalwood Trafficking Case Results in 7-Year Prison Sentences
In a significant victory in the fight against wildlife crime, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF), in coordination with the Kenya National Police, has successfully
Landmark Conviction in Kenya: Operation Tuna Ends with Strong Sentencing for Ivory Traffickers
As previously reported in August 2024, Kenya’s ongoing fight against wildlife trafficking achieved a major success with the interception of illegal elephant ivory during Operation
Wildlife Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Absentia Following Major Ivory Seizure in Kenya
On April 14, 2025, the JKIA Magistrates Court in Nairobi sentenced a wildlife trafficker to 10 years in prison, in absentia, for his role in
Operation Tiger: Justice for Kenya’s Elephants-Traffickers Sentenced
In a decisive victory against wildlife trafficking, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF) successfully concluded Operation Tiger, which targeted individuals involved in the illegal ivory
Successful Conviction in Sandalwood Trafficking Case in Kenya
On February 3, 2023, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF) achieved a significant success with Operation Impala. Officers intercepted a Land Rover carrying 300 kilos
Update: Operation Manta Sees Two More Arrests as Authorities Close in on Remaining Fugitives
In a significant development to the previously reported investigation, Operation Manta, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF) has made additional progress in its efforts to
Kenya Wildlife Task Force Intercepts Ivory Shipment in Anti-Poaching Operation
In another victory against wildlife crime, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF), in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), successfully intercepted a motorbike transporting
Operation Manta: Kenya Wildlife Task Force Seizes Nearly 85 Kilos of Ivory in High-Risk Operation
In a decisive and high-stakes operation, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF) successfully carried out Operation Manta on August 18, 2024. The operation, which took
High Court of Kenya Orders Forfeiture in Major Sandalwood Investigation
In a landmark ruling, the High Court of Kenya Nairobi Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division executed a forfeiture judgment order, seizing two vehicles and seven