The government on Monday, March 4 launched and rolled out a reviewed Kenya Coordinated Border Management Programme (KCBMP), in further efforts to strengthen national security.

Speaking during the launch at the Kenya School of Government, Kabete, Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said that Kenya’s strategic location in East Africa calls for effective border management in enhancing trade, ensuring national security, and promoting regional integration.

Dr Omollo says that the KCBMP initiative will provide a practical and hands-on approach to bolster the abilities of Kenya’s front-line officers in addressing the evolving challenges of border security.

The programme, the PS says, will also be crucial in ensuring that all border officers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage the complexities of border operations.

“As we commence training the ninth cohort, I commend the Border Management Secretariat and KSG’s Security Management Institute for their tireless effort to ensure our frontline officers are well trained,” PS Omollo said. “Likewise, I express my gratitude to our partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the United States Customs and Border Patrol (USCBP), for their continued support that benefits not only Kenya but also the entire East Africa region.”

During the launch, it was also announced that the National Border Conference will be held in Nairobi from 2nd to 4th April 2024.

The conference, Dr Omollo says, will provide a platform for stakeholders to engage in enhancing Coordinated Border Management as well as support the implementation of BCOCC’s five-year strategic plan.

The Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC) was established in 2014 after it emerged that there is need for a more efficient and integrated systems.

BCOCC brings together various government agencies to enhance communication and streamline operations across land, air, and maritime borders.

“We have also implemented the Integrated Customs Management
System (ICMS) and other technological tools to expedite the clearance of legitimate goods while effectively detecting contraband. Moreover, we are actively developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and efficiency in border operations across all points of entry,” PS Omollo said during the launch.