The suspects — Zhang Kequn and his Kenyan associate Charles Mwangi — were arraigned in a court in Nairobi after more than two thousand queen garden ants were discovered in luggage at the international airport.
Prosecutors say the insects were packed in test tubes and tissue, allegedly for export to China, where demand for exotic species is rising.
Investigators told the court that the ants were purchased locally and were intended for sale abroad.
The pair face charges of illegal wildlife trade and conspiracy, but have both pleaded not guilty.
Officials warn that trafficking of lesser-known species, such as insects, is becoming more common as collectors seek rare items.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with more arrests likely as they track a wider network linked to the trade.
