Kenya and IMCTC Launch Joint Counter-Terrorism Financing Training Initiative
Kenya has today reaffirmed its commitment to global counter-terrorism efforts by hosting the official launch of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Initiative and the opening of a high-level Counter Terrorism Financing Training.
In a ceremony held in Nairobi, His Excellency Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, Secretary General of the IMCTC, was welcomed alongside a distinguished delegation from the coalition. The initiative marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s deepening partnership with the IMCTC, a 42-member coalition focused on combating extremism and terrorism in all its forms.
Speaking during the launch, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya emphasized the importance of international cooperation in tackling the complex and evolving threat of terrorism.
“We are honoured by your presence in Kenya and deeply value this growing partnership. The threat of terrorism continues to destabilize societies and impede development globally and our region has not been spared.”
She noted that while significant progress has been made in disrupting terrorist networks, the financial systems that sustain these groups remain a persistent threat.
“Terrorist financing is a strategic enabler of violence fuelling recruitment, planning, logistics, and operations. Without cutting off these lifelines, our broader counter-terrorism efforts risk being undermined.”
Kenya has prioritized counter-terrorism financing (CTF) and anti-money laundering efforts through enhanced legal frameworks, intelligence sharing, and multi-agency collaboration. The partnership with IMCTC is seen as a vital pillar of this strategy.
The newly launched training, which brings together participants from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), is aimed at strengthening technical and operational capacities. It is also a precursor to broader plans to institutionalize the programme in Kenya, with a follow-up course scheduled for August 2025 and a Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative in December 2025.
“This is more than a capacity-building exercise it is a strategic investment in institutional resilience. We are laying the foundation for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to national and regional security,” She added.
Participants were urged to approach the training with diligence and purpose, as they represent the frontline in the fight against terrorism financing.
Kenya expressed its gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the IMCTC Secretariat for their steadfast support.
“Your commitment is emblematic of the global solidarity needed to confront today’s security challenges. Thank you for choosing Kenya as a host country your confidence in our institutions inspires us to do more, and do better”
The Secretary-General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), Maj. Gen. Pilot Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, on Monday lauded Kenya’s commitment to global peace efforts during the launch of a key counterterrorism initiative in Nairobi.
He expressed optimism that the Coalition’s strategic goals will be realized through united efforts.Addressing dignitaries and officials at the event, Maj. Gen. Al-Moghedi extended heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Kenya for its warm hospitality, noting that the presence of senior Kenyan officials underscored the country’s dedication to tackling terrorism.
“Terrorism knows no borders, spares no people, and threatens global security. Your presence here today signals a strong commitment to confronting these dangers,” he remarked.
He praised Kenya’s pivotal role as a member of the IMCTC and a critical partner in Africa’s security architecture. “The Republic of Kenya remains a key contributor to global counterterrorism efforts and has demonstrated unwavering resolve in addressing regional security threats,” the Secretary-General stated, emphasizing the need for continued international cooperation.
The new initiative launched in Nairobi is designed to combat terrorism financing one of the core elements sustaining terrorist organizations globally.
Maj. Gen. Al-Moghedi stressed that defeating terrorism requires more than military might, noting the importance of legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and tracking illicit financial flows. The program includes 20 specialized awareness and training programs to bolster member states’ capacity in identifying and countering terror funding.The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the IMCTC, which has rolled out 15 strategic actions in areas such as ideology, media, military coordination, and financial disruption.
Last year’s IMCTC ministerial meeting in Riyadh resulted in a SAR 100 million contribution from Saudi Arabia to the Coalition’s initiative fund. Additionally, Prince Khalid bin Salman announced 46 education and training programs and a five-year support program targeting the Sahel region.
Maj. Gen. Al-Moghedi commended Kenya’s government for its active role in supporting regional peace and expressed hope that the initiatives launched will foster greater security and lasting stability across member states
By Sharon Atieno
