Chinese embassy donates anti-poaching equipment to Kenya

The Chinese Embassy on Friday donated anti-poaching equipment worth 20,000 U.S. dollars to strengthen the fight against wildlife crimes in Kenya.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa said the donation is part of the long-term commitment from Beijing to revitalize the war against poaching in Kenya.

"This donation will enhance the capacity of four wildlife conservancies to provide security cover through targeted patrols in the northern rangelands and the coast," Liu said during the handing over ceremony.

The state of the art gadgets included telescopes to track movement of poachers.

The East African Wildlife Society and the Mara Conservation Fund received the equipment on behalf of the four wildlife conservancies.

China has scaled up assistance to help Kenya combat wildlife crimes effectively.

During his visit to Kenya in May, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang reiterated his government's commitment to the eradication of poaching in the African wild.

Li Keqiang said during his Kenyan visit a China-Africa joint research center will be established in Nairobi to strengthen war against poaching.

The Chinese Embassy has partnered with Kenyan state organs to strengthen the fight against wildlife crimes in the east African nation.

Liu noted a robust collaboration with the Kenyan government has led to the arrest of poachers.

China has stepped up awareness campaign on wildlife crimes in Africa.

The ambassador said China has focused on enhanced publicity and education to deepen understanding of illegal wildlife trade in the continent.

"All Chinese nationals upon their arrival in Kenya will receive an automatic SMS message, alerting them of the importance of protecting wildlife," the ambassador disclosed.

He added Chinese nationals are responding positively to anti- poaching campaign and have actively participated in grassroots wildlife conservation initiatives.

"Several weeks ago, a group of young students from Tsinghua University of China initiated a volunteer activity here in Kenya to advocate wildlife conservation," Liu told reporters.

Kenyan officials said China is a strategic partner in the war against wildlife crimes.

Director of Kenya Wildlife Service William Kiprono said Chinese equipment and expertise will rejuvenate the fight against poaching.

"Kenya and China have been recognized by CITES for their dedication to alleviate poaching menace. Both countries met heavy penalties on offenders," Kiprono told Xinhua.