'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' author Robert Kiyosaki praises Kenya's ban on wildlife hunting during visit

Kiyosaki, who prides himself as an avid hunter, took to his X account to share a story of his relationship with Kenya, saying has never stepped foot in Kenya because of its stand on game hunting.

The 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' author said that, given his affinity for hunting, he did not consider Kenya a country worth a visit because the Kenyan government outlawed hunting back in the 1960s effectively locking out hunting aficionados like him.

"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Wildlife and Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Dr Alfred Mutua, vehemently opposed the idea, labeling it as outdated and unacceptable, with conservationists echoing his sentiments, terming it as neocolonialism.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.