President Kenyatta, Duke of Cambridge discuss conservation, security
By PSCU
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday held talks with the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, who paid him a courtesy call at State House, Nairobi.
The President and the Duke discussed areas of cooperation and the close ties between Kenya and the UK, especially on conservation.
He appreciated the Duke’s involvement and support in wildlife conservation.
The President highlighted Kenya’s progress in combating poaching, disclosing that next month he will preside over the torching of 120 tonnes of ivory and 1.5 tonnes of Rhino horn.
“We are determined to conserve our wildlife for posterity and welcome all the support we can get in this endeavour,” President Kenyatta said.
He said the destruction of the ivory and rhino horn will send a strong message that trade in illegal wildlife trophies is not tolerated.
The Head of State said Kenya is keen on working closely with its neighbours and development partners in wildlife conservation.
He expressed the need to involve local communities in the conservation efforts, saying the move will benefit people and help reduce human-wildlife conflict.
The Duke assured President Kenyatta of his support to the Government’s efforts to conserve wildlife.
“If there is anything I can do to raise the profile in your efforts to conserve wildlife I will do it,” the Duke said.
President Kenyatta and the Duke of Cambridge also discussed security and the war against terrorism where the President emphasised on the need to deal with the root cause of radicalisation.
The Duke commended Kenya’s leading role in the war against terrorism in Somalia.
The Duke, who arrived in the country on a private visit this morning, is the President of United For Wildlife an alliance between seven of the world’s most influential conservation organisations.
While in the country, the Duke will see first-hand some of Kenya’s longstanding conservation and anti-poaching initiatives supported by Tusk Trust, a charity organisation which he is Royal Patron.
The Duke was accompanied by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources, Prof. Judi Wakhungu.
