Kenya, UK sign MoU to strengthen border security and stability

CHRISTINE CHERYL-MY GOV

Kenya is stepping up its efforts to promote peace, stability, and socio-economic development along its borderlands.

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the collaborative implementation of border security cooperation.

The efforts will incorporate a holistic approach that integrates law enforcement with community engagement and peace initiatives.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, said the agreement will strengthen joint efforts to counter cross-border threats, enhance stability in Kenya’s borderlands.

The PS said it will protect communities from transnational organized crime, including human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

“The MoU responds to evolving and complex cross-border threats including terrorism, trafficking in persons, human smuggling, and transnational organized crime,” he said. 

He said these efforts will focus especially on the Kenya–Somalia and Kenya–Ethiopia borderlands, building on ongoing projects that support stability in the region.

Diana Dalton, the UK Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director said the partnership showed a renewed commitment to cooperation on border security.

She said the UK government will work together with the government to tackle organized crime and stop unscrupulous traffickers from exploiting vulnerable people.

“The UK and Kenya are partnering to bring greater security and stability to the region, keeping the people of both our nations safe,” she said.

Implementation of the cooperation will be coordinated through Kenya’s national security architecture led by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, with structured engagement of key partners.

The program will also support strengthened early warning and intelligence sharing, enhanced protective security response, and coordinated interventions to protect citizens and communities from irregular migration.

As part of the initial phase, it will prioritize support to selected border counties Turkana, Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, and Busia with consideration for expansion to other areas as may be necessary.