NAIROBI, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) late Wednesday donated assorted wildlife crime scene forensic kits to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to boost protection of endangered species.
Philip Muruthi, the president of AWF donated scene of crime kits, forensic bags and hand books to strengthen Kenya's anti-poaching efforts.
"Our main focus is to stop the killings of wildlife, trafficking of illegal wildlife trophies and the demand for trophies," said Muruthi.
He urged all conservation partners to commit and support national institutions that are promoting the welfare of wildlife.
Murithi noted that Kenya was last year removed from the global list of the countries of primary concern with regard to illegal trade in ivory due to the country's concerted efforts to conserve wildlife.
Charles Musyoki, acting KWS Director General thanked AWF for the support adding that the organization has supported the wildlife agency through capacity building, donation of equipment, construction of an exhibition room and the launch of a modern canine facility.
Musyoki said that the scene of crime management was critical to KWS law enforcement because it enabled staff to do the right thing at the right time and ensured robust prosecution.
"Our staff are being empowered with the tools to put into practice what they have been taught by learning how to gather evidence to expedite prosecutions," said Musyoki.
He noted that with the equipment, the staff will be able to execute their duty effectively and on time to arrest and arraign perpetrators promptly.
"We are ready to increase our efforts in wildlife conservation by acting fast ahead of criminals," said Musyoki.
The donations included packets of latex gloves, crime scene tapes, forceps and scissors, Swiss Army knives, flashlight headsets, retractable measuring tapes, tweezers, scalpels, and crime scene numbers.
Besides this donation, AWF had in the past trained rangers and also sensitized members of the Judiciary on the dangers of wildlife crime.
