Kenya’s trade in captive-bred wildlife is rapidly expanding, with live exports of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)-listed reptiles increasing more than tenfold over the past decade.

According to World Animal Protection, leopards, tortoises, and several chameleon species found in Kenya each exceeded tens of thousands in exports, while Nile crocodile skins exceeded 80,000 between 2013 and 2023, likely representing a similar number of individual animals.

World Animal Protection is a global animal welfare organisation with over 75 years’ experience safeguarding animals’ lives worldwide.

In a statement sent to the Peoples Gazette on Thursday, the group noted that the exponential rate of animal exports raises urgent concerns about conservation impacts, animal welfare, public health risks, and regulatory oversight.

It noted that a new peer-reviewed scientific paper analysing international wildlife trade data shows that over 870,000 live CITES-listed animals reported as captive-bred were exported from Kenya between 2013 and 2023. 

“Reptiles account for the overwhelming majority of live trade records and nearly half of all live animals traded. Annual exports of live reptiles rose sharply from 8,551 individuals in 2013 to 86,330 in 2023, signalling a steep escalation in the commercial wildlife trade,” the group said.

It added that findings indicate that Kenya is becoming an increasingly important supplier to global pet and luxury wildlife markets, with exports reaching at least 43 importing countries across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, and South America. 

“However, the study also exposes significant gaps in monitoring systems, risks to threatened species, and potential public health threats linked to wildlife trade,” the group said.

The World Animal Protection further revealed that more than 77% of traded species have declined or become unknown wild population trends, thereby raising concerns about sustainability even where animals are reported as captive-bred or ranched.

“Seizure evidence indicates that illegal trade in pancake tortoises continues even though they are already under severe conservation pressure,” it added.

The group said findings revealed that 93% of animal exports from Kenya were commercial and largely destined for North America, Europe, and Asia.

It also noted that at least seven traded species are internationally threatened.

Research Manager at World Animal Protection, Dr Patrick Muinde, who co-authored the peer-reviewed paper, said, “Kenya is witnessing a rapid rise in wildlife exports, particularly reptiles, and the ten-year trend is deeply concerning. 

“Most of these exports involve live animals, making this far more than a question of numbers. It is cruel and raises questions about its sustainability. The trade in live wild animals also carries clear risks to public health and well-being. 

‘’At its core, it reflects a system that treats sentient beings as mere commodities rather than living beings. It is time to move away from this model and recognise that wild animals deserve protection, not exploitation.”

Globally, the wildlife trade is a multi-billion-dollar industry involving millions of animals annually. 

World Animal Protection revealed that while captive breeding is often promoted as a sustainable alternative, growing evidence shows it can mask illegal sourcing, weaken conservation efforts, and increase the risk of zoonotic diseases.

“Kenya’s role as both a source and transit hub in international wildlife trade networks makes effective regulation and transparency critical, especially as the country reviews its wildlife laws under the proposed Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill (2025),” the group said 

It recommended stronger regulation and traceability of captive breeding and ranching operations, the conduct of routine welfare audits across captive breeding operations and wildlife trade supply chains.

In addition, the group recommended enhancing biosecurity measures and pathogen surveillance, and developing targeted demand-reduction initiatives in importing countries to reduce demand for wild animals in the pet and luxury markets.