Kenya and the United Kingdom have renewed their security engagement, expanding their cooperation to combat terrorism, cybercrime, transnational organised crime, illicit financial flows, and human trafficking.
The security compact, first established in 2015 and refreshed in 2018, has been expanded to include a wider range of activities aimed at ensuring a safe and stable environment for citizens in the two countries.
Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 10, shortly after signing the agreement with UK's Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said the renewed partnership would train the National Police Service (NPS) in Kenya to enhance its policing capabilities, including combating cattle rustling, terrorism, money laundering, and cyber threats.
"What we've done today is to lay a seed for a foundation that will grow in strength," Kindiki said.
He said the action plan would be implemented within two weeks to ensure effective execution of the agreement.
The new phase of the engagement also includes a letter of intent for cooperation between Kenya and the UK on information sharing regarding maritime security.
The two nations will work together to enhance maritime security and learn from each other's experiences.
UK Security Minister Tugendhat expressed confidence that the new partnership would combat internal and external threats between the two nations.
"Working together is the only way to secure the British people. Just is the only way to secure the Kenyan people. This partnership building on a long history of friendship is exactly what we need to be doing together," Tugendhat said.
He said the new partnership lays the foundation for future growth and cooperation.
