PS Bitok: More immigration officers to be deployed to combat Mpox

Immigration PS Julius Bitok. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

The Ministry of Interior has announced plans to deploy additional immigration officers to border points nationwide to help contain the spread of Mpox.

Speaking at the graduation of over 300 newly recruited officers, Principal Secretary Julius Bitok stressed the importance of collaboration between the new officers, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant agencies to ensure rigorous screening of travelers for the virus.

Bitok outlined that the officers will be posted to key entry points, including land, sea, and air borders.

They will join a multi-agency team comprising personnel from the Health, Security, and Agriculture sectors, along with the Kenya Revenue Authority, to bolster border protection efforts.

In addition to border control duties, the recruits will also be assigned to roles in passport issuance, permits, and electronic travel authorization (eTA) services.

The officers recently completed a five-week training program at the Kenya School of Government in Kabarnet, Baringo County, covering areas such as security, intelligence, communication, protocol, and health.