Nairobi, May 8, 2025 —
In a rare and unusual case of wildlife trafficking, a Nairobi court has fined four individuals Ksh1 million each for attempting to smuggle more than 5,000 queen ants out of Kenya. The suspects—two Belgian and two Vietnamese nationals—were intercepted by customs officials at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while attempting to board a flight to Southeast Asia.
Authorities said the suspects had concealed the ants in custom-made plastic containers and intended to export them illegally, violating Kenya’s Wildlife Conservation and Management Act. The insects, believed to be destined for underground ant-trading markets, were identified as highly valuable for use in exotic farming and as collectible species among insect enthusiasts abroad.
“The suspects failed to provide documentation for the insects and could not explain their intended purpose,” said a senior Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officer. “This highlights a growing trend in trafficking lesser-known species, not just the big game.”
The case has sparked conversation among conservationists about the increasing exploitation of invertebrate species in global illegal wildlife trade. Traditionally, enforcement in Kenya has focused on elephants, rhinos, and other high-profile species, but experts now warn that insects and other small fauna are also at risk of unsustainable exploitation.
Magistrate Beatrice Okwiri, who presided over the case, emphasized the seriousness of the offense. “The illegal removal of even the smallest creatures from our ecosystem can cause major disruptions to biodiversity. This court must send a message that all forms of wildlife trafficking will be punished.”
The queen ants were confiscated and handed over to the National Museums of Kenya for identification and possible reintroduction to their natural habitat.
