NAIROBI, Kenya, April 2 – Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration in securing the country’s border points amid evolving security threats globally.
Speaking at the opening of the inaugural National Border Management Conference on Tuesday, PS Omollo underscored the importance of collective efforts in addressing transnational organized crime, terrorism, and other illicit activities that exploit vulnerabilities at border points due to a lack of cooperation.
“Now, more than ever, we are obligated to perceive our entry and exit systems through a national security lens,” stated PS Omollo during his address at the conference.
The theme of the three-day conference, “Building on Coordination and Moving Towards Integration,” was highlighted by Omollo as a crucial guiding principle for collective efforts toward a safer and more prosperous future. He urged stakeholders, including security agencies, to spare no effort in strengthening the country’s defenses against transnational threats fueling the global illegal economy.
Through fostering dialogue, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose, Omollo expressed confidence in overcoming security challenges and effectively streamlining border management practices.
Reflecting on the conference agenda, PS Omollo emphasized that discussions would focus on identifying critical factors enabling effective coordination among key players and the various Ministries and Departments operating in the country’s ports of entry and exit.
Despite ongoing challenges, Omollo acknowledged significant strides made in enhancing border security and management since the adoption of a multi-agency approach at ports of entry and exit.
The government’s efforts have led to improved data collection and analysis, enhancing operational capacity and effectiveness in joint operations.
With increased information sharing among law enforcement agencies, PS Omollo noted progress in identifying and responding to hybrid threats, such as cross-border and transnational organized crimes.
“In this regard, we are progressively reducing the use of forged travel documents; illegal migration; human trafficking; smuggling of weapons; trafficking of narcotics; and laundering of money among other crimes,” Omollo affirmed.
He also outlined improvements in the clearance of persons at border points and increased trade volumes, attributing these achievements to enhanced coordination and cooperation among relevant agencies.
Participants at the conference include representatives from various State Departments, including Immigration, East Africa Community (EAC), Health, Shipping, and Maritime sectors. Additionally, participants include representatives from the National Police Service, National Intelligence Service, National Counter-Terrorism Center, Kenya Coast Guard, Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, among others.
PS Omollo expressed gratitude to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Border Management Secretariat for sponsoring the conference, emphasizing the importance of such collaborative efforts in advancing border management practices and enhancing national security.
