The government wants communities residing in border areas to work closely with security agencies to bolster security at the Ports of Entry and Exit (PoE) in the wake of the changing security landscape in the Horn of Africa region and the entire continent.
Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said local communities are critical partners in the realization of effective border management.
Omollo made the remarks Thursday when he led a delegation from the Border Control and Operations Coordinating Committee (BCOCC) for a consultative meeting with Illeret residents and Marsabit County leaders.
The Banya Fort PoE in Illeret Ward is one of the seven new Ports of Entry and Exit that were approved as significant spaces for cross-border trade and travel.
Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo was present during an assessment tour towards the establishment of Banya Fort as a new Point of Entry/Exit between Kenya and Ethiopia.
The PS said local communities are uniquely positioned to identify suspicious activities and individuals in their midst making their collaboration essential in countering security threats.
“It is through sharing of intelligence and related information, that we can sieve the passage of criminals that are a threat to our collective growth and the tremendous gains projected for the locals and the County Government of Marsabit and the entire country,” Omollo said.
Kenya is actively working towards facilitating the smooth clearance and legitimate cross-border movement of people and goods, aimed at unlocking opportunities with neighboring countries.
Omollo also underscored the need for a robust entry and exit system.
He noted that the spirited campaign for borderless movement and trade, championed by President William Ruto, has necessitated the urgent need to open more Ports of Entry and Exit
“With a secure borderline, we can be sure of the stability of our country and neighborhood which would further create a healthy and enabling environment for national and regional development,” he said.
The PS disclosed that the establishment of the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee has enabled the country to reap substantial gains.
He also acknowledged the security challenges that come with the opening up of borders, stressing the need for approaching the entry and exit systems from the national security perspective.
“These shared trade and travel spaces which offer enabling environments for socio-economic and cultural interaction – promoting regional integration – are also common grounds for criminals,” Omollo said.
Present in the meeting were DIG KPS Douglas Kanja, KCGS Director General Bruno Shioso, CEO Anti Counterfeit Authority Robi Njoroge and the area MP Wario Adhe Guyo.