NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya and Italy have pledged to strengthen bilateral security cooperation through enhanced intelligence sharing, specialised police training, technology-driven policing and joint efforts to combat terrorism, organised crime and human trafficking.
The commitment was reaffirmed on Wednesday when Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja hosted Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and his delegation at the National Police Service Headquarters, Jogoo House A, in Nairobi.
The visit followed the recent signing of a Letter of Intent on Security Cooperation between the two countries, led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, signalling renewed collaboration on policing and internal security.
During the meeting, Piantedosi called for closer international cooperation to dismantle transnational criminal networks, particularly those involved in drug trafficking and illicit financial flows.
He emphasised the need to disrupt criminal financial networks through stronger collaboration with INTERPOL and other international law enforcement agencies.
The Italian minister also highlighted the importance of strengthening investigations into financial and economic crimes, including asset recovery and tracing proceeds of crime.
In addition, Piantedosi urged enhanced cooperation in tackling migrant smuggling and human trafficking, describing the International Training and Education Programme for Africa (ITEPA) as a key platform for improving the operational capacity of African police services.
Counter-terrorism support
Piantedosi commended Kenya’s continued efforts in combating terrorism and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to supporting the country’s counter-terrorism initiatives through specialised training, operational partnerships and capacity-building programmes.
Inspector General Kanja welcomed Italy’s longstanding support to the National Police Service, particularly in specialised training that has strengthened officers’ skills in areas critical to national security.
He also praised Italy’s support for technology-driven policing, noting that the planned Integrated Command, Control, Communication and Coordination (IC4) System will significantly improve the Service’s ability to detect, predict and respond to crime in real time.
Kanja further appealed for Italy’s support in establishing the proposed Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit, a specialised formation intended to enhance public safety, maintain order and strengthen security across the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.
Expanding cooperation
The Inspector General called for expanded collaboration in officer training, intelligence sharing, joint operations and institutional capacity-building to address evolving security threats.
He reaffirmed the National Police Service’s commitment to professional, accountable and community-centred policing while expressing appreciation for Italy’s continued partnership in strengthening Kenya’s security architecture.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin and other senior National Police Service officials alongside members of the Italian delegation.