MOMBASA, Kenya – The Ministry of Interior has reiterated its commitment to countering transnational organized crime on Lake Victoria, as representatives from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania convened in Mombasa for the fourth Regional Working Group (RWG) on September 30, 2024.
Addressing delegates from the three East African nations, Dr. Raymond Omollo, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration and Chairperson of the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC), emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in safeguarding Lake Victoria.
“We stand at a critical juncture in our joint efforts to protect Lake Victoria and its surrounding communities. This body of water, while vital to our economies and cultures, presents significant challenges that require unified action,” said Dr. Omollo.
The meeting comes at a time when limited coordination between border security agencies has been identified as a key vulnerability, leaving the region susceptible to cross-border crimes such as illegal fishing, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.
Dr. Omollo pointed out the need for enhanced surveillance and rescue capabilities, particularly in emergencies.
During the meeting, the Principal Secretary outlined the progress made so far, including joint maritime training and the refurbishment of the Kisumu Port Joint Operation Center (JOC).
“Our officers have received critical training in document fraud detection, behavioral analysis, and maritime security, all aimed at bolstering our defenses against sophisticated criminal networks,” he remarked.
Dr. Omollo also highlighted Kenya’s efforts to strengthen mobility and response capabilities, announcing the acquisition of patrol vehicles for the Directorate of Immigration Services.
This will further support rapid responses to security threats across the region.
Looking ahead, he proposed several key initiatives, including the establishment of a Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center and the harmonization of fishing regulations across the three nations.
These efforts, Dr. Omollo said, would “close regulatory loopholes and enhance our collective response to security challenges while promoting the sustainable use of Lake Victoria’s resources.”
The meeting was attended by key officials from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, as well as representatives from the U.S. Embassy and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), both of whom have been instrumental in supporting regional security programs.
As the RWG meeting officially commenced, Dr. Omollo encouraged participants to approach the discussions with a spirit of cooperation.
“By working together, sharing information, and coordinating our efforts, we are creating a safer, more secure Lake Victoria region for all our citizens,” he concluded.
Addressing delegates from the three East African nations, Dr. Raymond Omollo, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration and Chairperson of the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC), emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in safeguarding Lake Victoria.
“We stand at a critical juncture in our joint efforts to protect Lake Victoria and its surrounding communities. This body of water, while vital to our economies and cultures, presents significant challenges that require unified action,” said Dr. Omollo.
The meeting comes at a time when limited coordination between border security agencies has been identified as a key vulnerability, leaving the region susceptible to cross-border crimes such as illegal fishing, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.
Dr. Omollo pointed out the need for enhanced surveillance and rescue capabilities, particularly in emergencies.
During the meeting, the Principal Secretary outlined the progress made so far, including joint maritime training and the refurbishment of the Kisumu Port Joint Operation Center (JOC).
“Our officers have received critical training in document fraud detection, behavioral analysis, and maritime security, all aimed at bolstering our defenses against sophisticated criminal networks,” he remarked.
Dr. Omollo also highlighted Kenya’s efforts to strengthen mobility and response capabilities, announcing the acquisition of patrol vehicles for the Directorate of Immigration Services.
This will further support rapid responses to security threats across the region.
Looking ahead, he proposed several key initiatives, including the establishment of a Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center and the harmonization of fishing regulations across the three nations.
These efforts, Dr. Omollo said, would “close regulatory loopholes and enhance our collective response to security challenges while promoting the sustainable use of Lake Victoria’s resources.”
The meeting was attended by key officials from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, as well as representatives from the U.S. Embassy and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), both of whom have been instrumental in supporting regional security programs.
As the RWG meeting officially commenced, Dr. Omollo encouraged participants to approach the discussions with a spirit of cooperation.
“By working together, sharing information, and coordinating our efforts, we are creating a safer, more secure Lake Victoria region for all our citizens,” he concluded.
