The Kenyan and United Kingdom (UK) governments have today signed security agreement to boost cooperation in countering organised transnational crimes.
Speaking during a media briefing today, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said that the bilateral pact signed with visiting British Security Minister Tom Tugendhat covers collaboration in combating terrorism, cybercrime, trafficking in persons as well as illicit financial flows.
“The action plan for the agreement signed today will be finalised in the next two weeks. I am happy to confirm that we have signed a renewal of the joint security compact between the UK and Kenya.” Kindiki said during a joint press conference with Tugendhat at Harambee House earlier today.
Kindiki said that the two countries also signed off on a framework for cooperation in the area of training Kenya’s police service which will go a long way in enhancing the east African nation’s preparedness toward maintaining stability.
He revealed that Kenya and Britain also signed a letter of intent in information sharing with regard to maritime security.
Tugendhat said that the joint agreement is based on the need for the two countries to secure their citizens.
The UK’s Security Minister added that the growing nature of the internationalization of crimes means that cross-border cooperation is the only way to guarantee national security.
The Interior CS noted that the arrangement which was initiated in 2015 now has new components to help the two states fight terrorism, transnational organized crime and illicit financial flows.
The agreement was further strengthened by the signing of two subsequent
Kenya-UK Security Compacts in August 2018 and January 2021 which was further enhanced through the launch of the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership in January 2020.
“We have also looked at possibly expanding the areas of cooperation under the Compact and one of the things that is an outcome of what we have just signed off is that we have identified the need to strengthen the flow of illicit financial activities and be able to reign in on money laundering and the financing of terrorism and other illegal activities.” Kindiki added.
Tugendhat added that the agreement is about looking at the challenges facing both Kenya and UK and come up with better solutions that will benefit the citizens.
“This document we have signed today and the action plan that we are going to be finalizing in the coming fortnight is a living document. Just as our nations have evolved and changed, sadly too the threats have changed, and they will continue to change.” He said.
The UK Minister added that the agreement defend both the British and Kenyan people and deepen Kenya’s role as regional power.
