The government on Monday launched the revised Kenya Coordinated Border Management Program (KCBMP), which will further strengthen national security.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said Kenya's strategic location in East Africa has long underscored the importance of effective border management in enhancing trade, ensuring national security, and promoting regional integration.
Omollo said Kenya has modernized border operations, embraced technology, and fostered collaboration among various border agencies.
For instance, he said, in 2014, recognizing the need for a more efficient and integrated system, Kenya established the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC), which 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,” he said.
He said Kenya is actively developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and efficiency in border operations across all points of entry.
Omollo said the achievements have laid the foundation for the concept of Coordinated Border Management, emphasizing collaboration, information sharing, and a focus on both security and trade facilitation.
“This holistic approach allows us to enhance security by working together as different agencies to identify and address threats such as smuggling and terrorism, boost trade through faster clearance times and streamlined procedures, and improve revenue collection by enhancing the detection of duty-evaded goods,” he said.
Omollo said the KCBMP is a groundbreaking initiative that reflects the commitment of the National Government to fortify and safeguard the national borders.
He said the launch and rollout of this revised program signifies a vital step toward ensuring the security and efficiency of Kenya's ports of entry and exit.
The updated program encompasses critical dimensions of border management, including governance structures for cooperation and emerging trends and technologies.
It delves into the intricacies of a border management system that embraces both domestic coordination within and between agencies in the country as well as international coordination involving collaboration between neighboring countries and trading partners to enhance security and promote economic and social cohesion.
The program aims to streamline policies and procedures across government agencies, allowing for a more coordinated and efficient approach to tackling organized crime and other threats that undermine peace, security, and sustainable development.
“It encourages a unified accountability framework and the sharing of resources to enhance the overall effectiveness of border agencies.”
"The program also recognizes the significance of managerial skills in border management, which are indispensable for our officers as they navigate diverse situations daily, ensuring the safety and efficient movement of people and goods across our ports of entry and exit," Omollo said.
He added the program is designed to provide a practical and hands-on approach to bolster the abilities of our front-line officers, reflecting government commitment to addressing the evolving challenges of border security.
“It is crucial to ensure that all border officers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage the complexities of border operations,” he said.
The event was the training of the ninth cohort.
