In Africa, it is estimated that 1 elephant is killed for its ivory every 15 minutes

There has been an 82% reduction in the number of elephants in Kenya in the last 12 years alone, and it is estimated that within 10-15 years there will be no more wild elephants, if poaching continues at its current rate.  

Similarly, the rhino population is critically endangered.  Last year between 40 and 60 rhino were killed in Kenya.  This number represents roughly 10% of the Kenyan population of black rhinos - killed in one year.  Poaching has reached levels that have never been seen before.  Only recently, we lost another rhino in Nairobi National Park - an area that we thought was safe from poachers.  Rhinos are at a serious risk of becoming extinct and poaching is still taking place by poachers who are using increasingly sophisticated means.  We want to ask you to do your utmost to save this beautiful species because as human beings, we have a moral responsibility to be stewards of the animals and plants around us. 

President and Deputy President, while we applaud your recent changes in the legal system to give much harsher sentences to those convicted of wildlife crimes, we ask you to  increase your efforts in tackling this very grave issue as elephants and rhino are still being illegally killed in such high numbers.  We request that this is carried out in three ways:

1. Tackle corruption at all levels, including corruption within higher governmental positions that permit those that are involved in the wildlife trade to continue

2.  Put more funding in place for the protection of elephants and wildlife so that sanctuaries and wildlife parks have the means to implement the latest technology and most effective measures in anti-poaching

3. Continue to strengthen your legal system so that all personnel involved in the trade are given the maximum possible sentences for their actions, including those who occupy positions in the government of Kenya, KWS and the police force.