Kenya has bolstered its ability to counter terrorism and combat transnational crime over the past year, this is according to Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo.
Speaking during the second Peace, Security and Development Cooperation Roundtable, PS Omollo said this was achieved through training programs, the provision of vital equipment, and the exchange of strategic intelligence.
During the roundtable, it was revealed that UN agencies, alongside the United States and the United Kingdom, had been outstanding collaborators in helping Kenya achieve this.
Other embassies and partners, PS Omollo says, have also been active in supporting Kenya’s reforms in the sector to improve professionalism, accountability, and compliance with human rights in law enforcement agencies.
Border control mechanisms
One of the areas that has seen tremendous improvement is the strengthening of border control mechanisms, which has in turn led to the prevention of irregular migration, human trafficking, and the smuggling of illicit and counterfeit goods.
The European Union, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the German Development Agency (GIZ) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for example, have funded numerous programs to enhance Kenya’s border security and management capabilities including capacity building for border officials, modernization of border infrastructure, and technological support for passport and visa management,” PS Omollo said in the meeting held at Serena Hotel, Nairobi on Monday, February 26.
Recurring disasters
With Kenya prone to recurring disasters such as floods and droughts, the PS says that development partners have been instrumental n supporting Interior Ministry’s disaster preparedness and response efforts.These partners include the World Bank, World Food Programme and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“Kenya hosts a large Refugee population, primarily from neighboring countries. International organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with other development partners and donor countries, work closely with the Ministry to provide humanitarian assistance and protection for this vulnerable
population,” PS Omollo noted.
Challenges Kenya face
Despite these strides, PS Omollo was quick to underscore the challenges that Kenya still face from evolving security threats, which demand continued vigilance.
He called for even greater collaboration, especially in initiatives aimed at peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and enhancing citizen participation, and insisted on the involvement of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), who are pivotal in coordinating government policies and programs at the grassroots level.
Police reforms
Top of the Kenya Kwanza Government’s agenda is police reforms, with emphasis put on embracing technology and innovation.
PS Omollo highlighted investments in surveillance systems at border points, data analytics for disaster response, and cybersecurity for vital statistics as areas where “we can partner to safeguard our nation and stay ahead of ever-evolving challenges.”
