The government has reprimanded China over their resolution to reverse the ban on rhino horns and tiger bones.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, China's move to overturn the embargo will only work to encourage rhino horn traffickers.
A statement by the Ministry perceived that although Kenya had made breakthroughs in preserving rhinos, the decision by the Chinese government would rapidly lower the number of animals in the country.
“Based on the experience in ivory trade in the last 25 years, legalised trade has proven ineffective in stemming elephant poaching in Africa," the statement read in part.
"It will not discourage existing illegal syndicates driving this trade,” the Ministry further observed.
The statement also noted that China was using the false beliefs that rhino horns hold medicinal value, something that is yet to be proven.
“Allowing rhino horns to be marketed as medicine is dishonest and sends mixed messages to the marketplace at a time when a single clear message needs to be communicated to the billions of potential customers,” the Ministry pointed out.
Traditional Asian cultures believe that using certain animal parts aids in the treatment of various illnesses.
On Monday, China declared that it would allow trade in the imperilled species’ products for medical and research purposes.
Today, as a result of widespread poaching, there are only about 540 rhinos left in Kenya, a number which could decrease rapidly if poaching is not combated.
