Kenya is set to become the epicenter of Africa’s fight against human-nature conflict and environmental crime after allocating land in Nairobi for a new global monitoring center.

The facility will serve as the permanent headquarters for the Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF) and will house a Regional Command and Control Centre and a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) hub, utilizing cutting-edge technology to protect the continent’s biodiversity.

The announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, at a side event during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan.

Miano highlighted the growing challenges facing African communities, including habitat loss and climate shocks, which intensify human-wildlife conflict and cross-border poaching. She emphasized that these issues require a united, regional response.

“Kenya has allocated land in Nairobi to host LATF’s permanent headquarters,” Miano stated. “This is a tangible demonstration of Kenya’s commitment to regional cooperation and reflects our dedication to this important initiative”.

The new Regional Command and Control Centre is designed to be a central hub for intelligence sharing and joint operations, enabling early warnings to effectively counter environmental crimes.

Kenya has already made significant strides in this area, deploying digital tools such as GPS wildlife tracking, drone monitoring, and a national command center that integrates data from conservancies and enforcement agencies.

Miano noted that Kenya’s national strategy aligns perfectly with LATF’s regional infrastructure. She pointed to the success of the Wildlife Enforcement Monitoring System, a digital platform developed in collaboration with LATF, as a prime example of how technology can enhance cross-border cooperation.

The CS stressed that the DPI must also benefit local communities by ensuring their participation and fair benefit-sharing from natural resources, promoting inclusivity and shared interests.

This initiative is closely linked to the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy and President William Ruto’s Digital Superhighway agenda. Miano concluded by calling on regional and global partners to join Kenya in this ambitious vision. “Together, we can co-create a prosperous future,” she said.

ALSO READ: Bull elephant saved after arrow attack in Tsavo East National Park