VIENNA, Austria — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has emphasized the need for stronger international collaboration to tackle digital and transnational crime during a bilateral meeting with John Brandolino, Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Global Fraud Summit in Vienna, Murkomen highlighted the growing threat of fraud as one of the most pervasive forms of transnational organized crime.
He noted that digital fraud continues to target Kenya, a recognized leader in digital innovation across Africa, and called for enhanced regional and global cooperation to safeguard financial systems and the digital economy.
Fraud has become one of the most pervasive forms of transnational organized crime, eroding trust in financial systems and threatening the foundations of the digital economy.As a recognized leader in digital innovation across Africa, Kenya continues to be a significant target
During the discussions, both leaders explored measures to:
- Strengthen regional cooperation mechanisms to combat transnational maritime crime.
- Advance Deradicalization, Disengagement, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DDRR) programmes for violent extremists.
- Enhance the technical capacity of Kenya’s Forensic Laboratory to better support criminal investigations.
Murkomen was accompanied by Amb. Valerie Rugene, Charge D’Affaires at Kenya’s Permanent Mission in Vienna, and Principal Administrative Secretary Beverly Opwora, among other officials.
Brandolino welcomed Kenya’s ongoing partnership with UNODC and expressed his support for Kenya’s appointment of Amb. Dr. Monica Juma to her new diplomatic role, noting that it strengthens the country’s engagement in international crime prevention and law enforcement initiatives.
“Kenya remains steadfast in its commitment to global efforts that promote safety, stability, and digital integrity,” Murkomen said, stressing that collaboration with international partners is crucial for combating fraud and other organized crimes that threaten both national and regional security.
The meeting reflects Kenya’s growing role in shaping digital governance, security, and anti-fraud frameworks across Africa, while reinforcing the country’s commitment to multilateral partnerships in tackling transnational crime.
