Kenya embraces technology to secure border points

Security personnel patrolling the Kenya-Somalia border in Mandera's Point One area. [File, Standard]

About ten years ago, Kenya adopted an integrated method of managing borders to enhance security in the country.

This paved the way for the formation of the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC) which brings together various government agencies playing role at key entry and exit points.

Border security is not only a local challenge but a global problem necessitating the use of technology to enhance surveillance.

This is one of the key issues that various sectors involved in border operations are mulling over as they converge for the National Border Management Conference organised by the Ministry of Interior in Nairobi starting Tuesday.

"It's one of a kind because it brings together all the  players involved in border management to a sitting and primarily we are targeting to take stock ten years down the line," said Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo who is also BCOCC chairman.

The PS disclosed that different players will share their success stories on border management using technology.

Dr Omollo said the meeting will also provide the platform for reviewing what is happening globally in various jurisdictions.

"For some time now, we have been thinking of how we can leverage on technology in terms of managing our borders," he said.

"As we speak today one of the agencies, Kenya Revenue Authority, is soon deploying drones in support of operations across border points," he added.

Omollo noted that with the sparsity of security officers on the ground, the country ought to leverage on technology.

"Whether it is in terms of drones or cameras or even in terms of police equipment with regards to security, there is a huge investment being put in place to support that particular aspect," he stated.