All Govt Officials At Kenya Border Points To Undergo Security Training

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 20- The Director-General of Immigration Services, Alexander Muteshi, on Friday termed inter-agency cooperation as the way to go in ensuring border security.

He spoke on Friday when he officiated over the closing ceremony of a coordinated border management training at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete, Nairobi County.

“A multi-agency approach has seen the establishment of Border Management Committees (BMCs), Joint Operation Centers (JOCs), continued seizures of contraband, faster turnaround time at our points of entry and exit, the adoption of technology to ease movement and clearance of people and goods and even the establishment of sturdier relationships with our international partners,” he said.

The 10-day training was aimed at building the capacities of border officials in coordinated border management.

The training was conducted through a manual titled Kenya Coordinated Border Management Programme.

The training manual was developed jointly by the Border Management Secretariat (BMS) and the Kenya School of Government’s Security Management Institute (SMI).

Representing the Principal Secretary, State Department of Interior and Citizen Services, Dr. Eng. Karanja Kibicho, Muteshi, said the training will help continue integrating the whole-of-Government approach in border operations and enhance security.

“The skills that you have been equipped with will also help stave off security threats at our points of entry and exit, enhance legitimate trade and travel, and continue encouraging cooperation between Ministries Departments and Agencies by completely eliminating the silo mentality,” he said.

“These training will equip Government officers deployed at our points of entry and exit with the relevant knowledge and up-to-date skills needed to execute their respective mandates.”

The training involved all border officials deployed at Kenya’s points of entry and exit on land, air, and sea.

The first cohort consisted of 20 students drawn from different border points including Malaba, Wilson Airport, Moyale, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), among others.

Muteshi praised the Kenya Coordinated Border Management Program. He said the program will revolutionize how business is conducted at Kenya’s points of entry and exit.

“The training manuals are a form of innovation that will transform operations in our borders. They are also an important mechanism for strengthening our relations and unlocking the unlimited social and economic potential of our country for the benefit of our people. These trainings will also equip our border officials with the knowledge, competencies and skills to continue executing their mandates meticulously,” he said.

The DG also cited achievements gained through a whole-of-government approach. Notably, all Government officials deployed at Kenya’s borders will undergo the 10-day training as it will ultimately make up part of their career progression.

“The officers will not only immensely benefit from the training, but these benefits will also trickle down to civilians who’ll enjoy efficient, effective, and first-class service delivery at all our border points,” Muteshi said.

Standing in for KSG’s Director-General Prof. Ludeki Chweya, Prof. Nura Mohammed, appreciated SMI and BMS for developing the program. He also thanked the BMS for giving KSG the rights to steer the program.

“The successful launch of the program on June 30th, 2021 shows collective marshaling of government resources to give the best results,” he said. Prof. Mohammed said that there was intensive stakeholder engagement in making the program a success.