GENEVA, Switzerland — The Government of Kenya has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to bolster training, research, and institutional capacity for agencies responsible for internal security and public administration.
The agreement was signed in Geneva by Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, and Mr. Evariste Karambizi, Director of UNITAR’s Division for Peace.
Under the partnership, key agencies, including the Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Coast Guard Service, and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) will benefit from coordinated capacity development.
The collaboration aims to enhance professional skills, support policy-oriented research, and strengthen institutional frameworks, ultimately improving service delivery, cross-agency coordination, and adherence to the rule of law.
UNITAR, established in 1963, provides learning solutions to UN member states to build capacities in governance, peace, security, and sustainable development. The institute partners with governments and public institutions to develop programmes aligned with international standards and best practices.
According to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the MoU will facilitate tailored training programmes, applied research, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to address emerging security challenges, leadership development, and public sector effectiveness.
The inclusion of the Kenya Coast Guard Service highlights Kenya’s growing emphasis on maritime security, including safeguarding territorial waters and combating transnational crimes such as trafficking and illegal fishing.
Officials noted that the partnership will leverage international expertise and evidence-based approaches to support Kenya’s ongoing security reforms, which prioritise professionalisation, human rights compliance, and enhanced border and maritime security.
The MoU, effective immediately, establishes a framework for sustained engagement over the next three years and may be renewed by mutual consent. Implementation will involve collaboration across multiple agencies and training institutions to ensure the objectives of the agreement are realised.
“This partnership reflects Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its security and public administration institutions through international best practices and research-driven solutions,” Dr. Omollo said.
Experts observing the agreement note that such capacity-building efforts are critical for modernising security services, improving coordination across agencies, and enhancing public trust in law enforcement.
