Kenya hosts regional EXBS workshop to strengthen border security, counter transnational threats

An international meeting of border security experts started in Nairobi with calls for collaboration and extra vigilance at the points of entry and exit.

The three-day Regional Workshop is aimed at developing a Compendium of Best Practices on strengthening border security for countering transnational threats, including the movement of illicit goods and violent extremism.

The workshop kicked off at the Kenya School of Government (KSG), Lower Kabete Campus, bringing together government officials and technical experts from Kenya, Somalia, Namibia, Madagascar, and the Central African Republic.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), with support from the United States Department of State through the Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) Program, hosted the meeting.

Kenya's Principal Secretary for the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, who is the chairman of the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC), Dr Raymond Omollo, underscored that modern border threats are increasingly complex, transnational, and fast-evolving, requiring coordinated regional responses and stronger inter-agency cooperation.

Omollo noted that the EXBS partnership has supported practical interventions across participating countries, including strengthened training and operational capacities, and emphasised the importance of consolidating lessons learned into a shared regional reference to improve interoperability and effectiveness.

“Collaboration will help in addressing emerging threats,” said Omollo.

Developing a regional Compendium of Best Practices involves documenting, harmonizing and validating best practices on border governance, information-sharing, law enforcement coordination, and operational interdiction, while promoting alignment with relevant international standards and frameworks.

Dr Omollo highlighted milestones achieved through the BCOCC and partners, including the establishment of six Joint Operations Centres (JOCs) at key ports of entry and exit, capacity-building for frontline border officials, development and training on the Border Security Control Program (BSCP) curriculum, validation of the National Border Porosity Assessment Report, and the provision of operational equipment to strengthen border management.

He further noted that support under the EXBS framework has contributed to Kenya’s efforts to strengthen strategic trade controls, including technical support toward the Strategic Goods Control (SGC) Bill, 2025, which has been approved by Cabinet and will soon be submitted to Parliament for consideration.

The workshop is expected to produce a practical Compendium that will guide policy, training, and operations for border agencies and stakeholders, strengthening collective capacity to prevent and disrupt illicit flows, transnational organized crime, and violent extremism across the region.