NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya and the United Kingdom have signed a new security cooperation agreement aimed at tightening border controls and stabilising Kenya’s most vulnerable frontier regions amid rising cross-border threats.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between Kenya’s Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, formalises joint efforts to combat terrorism, human trafficking, migrant smuggling and other forms of transnational organised crime.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo described the agreement as a significant milestone in safeguarding Kenya’s borderlands.
“This MoU represents a critical step in reinforcing our collective efforts to promote peace, stability and socio-economic development in border regions,” Omollo said.
Presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on collaborative border security between the Government of Kenya, the Government of the United Kingdom, the International Organization for Migration and VALAR.The agreement strengthens bilateral cooperation to enhance
The agreement comes against the backdrop of increasingly complex security challenges along the Kenya–Somalia and Kenya–Ethiopia borders, which have remained susceptible to terrorist infiltration, illicit trade and irregular migration.
It also builds on ongoing border stabilisation programmes such as Deris Wanaag and the Land Border Programme.
UK Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director Diana Dalton said the MoU underscores the depth of the Kenya–UK strategic partnership.
“The UK is proud to enhance our Strategic Partnership with Kenya through this landmark agreement on border security,” Dalton said. “Our renewed cooperation will help tackle organised crime and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable people by criminal networks.”
Dalton added that the collaboration will contribute to long-term security and stability in the region, while protecting citizens of both countries.
Under the agreement, implementation will be coordinated through Kenya’s national security framework led by the Ministry of Interior, with structured engagement of key stakeholders.
Priority areas include strengthening early warning systems, intelligence sharing, protective security responses and coordinated interventions to address irregular migration, smuggling and human trafficking.
In its initial phase, the programme will focus on Turkana, Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir and Busia counties, with room for expansion to other border regions as security needs evolve.
The initiative also aims to deepen evidence-based understanding of mixed migration flows and organised crime, while building the capacity of local security committees and border agencies in collaboration with community leaders.
The agreement builds on longstanding bilateral ties between Kenya and the UK, anchored in shared security interests and regional stability.
It follows high-level engagements, including President William Ruto’s official visit to the UK in July 2025, where both countries committed to renewing the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership for another five years.
