NAIVASHA, Kenya – In a significant move to enhance national security, the Government of Kenya has introduced the Strategic Goods Control Bill, 2025.
This landmark piece of legislation seeks to regulate the import, export, transit, and use of goods and technologies that could be diverted for the production of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials.
The Bill, which has been in the making for over a decade, aims to position Kenya as a key player in the global fight against terrorism and the proliferation of dangerous materials.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, who represented Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, addressed a high-level awareness forum in Naivasha.
The forum, attended by Senators, senior government officials, representatives from the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA), and international partners like the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, highlighted the importance of the Bill.
In his address, Dr. Omollo emphasized that the Strategic Goods Control Bill is essential for fulfilling Kenya’s international obligations under several global treaties, including the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological Weapons Convention, and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540.
Honoured to represent CS Hon. @kipmurkomen at the Senate-led forum on the Strategic Goods Control Bill, 2025.The Bill is a critical step in securing Kenya against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by regulating strategic and dual-use goods. It aligns our legal
He stressed that Kenya’s position as a regional trade and transit hub increases its responsibility to ensure that its borders and digital spaces are not exploited for the illicit trafficking of sensitive materials.
“The tragic events of the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing and the 2012 explosion in Nairobi serve as stark reminders of the devastating consequences of failing to control dangerous materials. The Bill is a crucial step in ensuring that such threats are mitigated,” said Dr. Omollo.
The proposed legislation introduces a comprehensive licensing system for handling strategic and dual-use goods, which are materials that can have both civilian and military applications.
It also enhances the regulation of brokers and intermediaries, including those operating in digital spaces.
The Bill proposes severe penalties for violations, signaling a robust approach to enforcement.
Additionally, it covers digital transmissions such as software and technical data that could be used to develop WMDs, keeping pace with the evolving nature of modern warfare and terrorism.
The Bill is also expected to enhance investor confidence and solidify Kenya’s leadership in strategic trade controls in Africa, joining the ranks of South Africa and Morocco in setting high standards for regional security.
Dr. Omollo further stated that the Bill aligns with Kenya’s existing legislative framework, which includes laws such as the Nuclear Regulatory Act, the Pest Control Products Act, the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and others.
Director General of the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority, James Keter, explained that the Bill will provide a clear legal framework for managing all stages in the lifecycle of strategic goods, from manufacturing and storage to export and trans-shipment.
He also highlighted the increasing prevalence of dual-use goods, driven by technological advancements, and the need for Kenya to stay ahead of these challenges.
Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations, Senator Fatuma Dullo, voiced strong support for the Bill.
She emphasized the urgency of its enactment, calling for clear timelines, staffing structures, and an effective implementation strategy.
Senator Dullo also recommended deeper public participation in regions like Northern Kenya, where communities are often vulnerable to cross-border security threats.
Other Senate leaders, including Senators Allan Chesang, Jackson Mandago, and Boy Juma, as well as international partners such as Carla Benini, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, also participated in the event, underscoring the collaborative efforts required to ensure the success of the Strategic Goods Control Bill.
With this new legislative move, Kenya aims to solidify its commitment to safeguarding both national and global security, ensuring that it remains vigilant against the threat of weapons of mass destruction and contributing positively to international peace efforts.
