British Airways has partnered with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to strengthen wildlife trafficking deterrents at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
The partnership includes training and deployment of two detection dogs and 21 KWS handlers. Alongside other wildlife derivatives, the Belgian Malinois were trained to identify wildlife products such as ivory, rhino horn and pangolin scales.
As wildlife trafficking becomes more sophisticated, with criminals targeting lesser-known species and making use of mainstream logistics networks, canine units are among the top frontline deterrents. Airlines are an especially vulnerable part of this network and are often used to facilitate the illegal wildlife trade.
Didi Wamukoya, Direct of Counter Wildlife Trafficking at AWF, said: “This partnership with British Airways and our long-standing collaboration with KWS ensures that Kenya stays ahead of shifting smuggling methods. Investing in canine detection, investigator training and courtroom capacity means seizures translate into successful prosecutions, not just headlines.”
