American investor, author, and entrepreneur Robert Kiyosaki has commended Kenya for its commitment to wildlife conservation, particularly its stance on protecting wild animals and banning wild game hunting. Kiyosaki, known for his book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” shared his admiration for Kenya’s conservation efforts on his X account.
Despite being an avid hunter himself, Kiyosaki revealed that he has never visited Kenya due to its prohibition of game hunting.
He explained that Kenya’s decision to outlaw hunting in the 1960s effectively prevented hunting enthusiasts like himself from visiting the country.
“I am in Nairobi, Kenya. I have never been here before, although I have been coming to Africa about once a year for about 20 years. The reason I never came to Kenya is because they outlawed hunting in the 1960s and I am a hunter,” he wrote.
Kiyosaki, however, praised the Kenyan government(s) for its efforts in wildlife conservation, saying that Kenya was now the perfect place for animal lovers like his wife Kim.
“I am glad I am in Kenya today because I now understand how smart their leaders were, banning people like me….a hunter. Kenya is perfect for animal lovers like my wife Kim who protects and loves all animals,” he said.
“The world is big enough to grant people with opposing points of view, their own point of view. I commend Kenya for taking a stand for Africa and to protect the animals.”
Earlier this year, the Kenyan government reaffirmed its commitment to banning trophy hunting, 47 years after its initial prohibition.
Wildlife and Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Dr Alfred Mutua, vehemently opposed the idea, labeling it as outdated and unacceptable, with conservationists echoing his sentiments, terming it as neocolonialism.
“We are pressurizing African countries that promote sport hunting that where Kenya is right now, the idea and the issues of hunting as a sport is long gone which was practised in the 60s and 70s, at the moment we are wiser,” said Mutua.
Mutua emphasized the detrimental effects of trophy hunting, stating that it not only encourages illegal ivory and tusk trade but also poses a grave threat to transboundary wildlife.
