Kenya, Italy Sign Security Pact to Boost Fight Against Organized Crime
Kenya and Italy have signed a Letter of Intent aimed at strengthening cooperation in preventing and combating crime, deepening security ties between the two countries as they seek to tackle emerging domestic and transnational security threats.
The agreement, signed Thursday between Kenya’s Ministry of Interior and National Administration and Italy’s Ministry of the Interior, establishes a framework for closer collaboration between the two governments and their respective police agencies in addressing criminal activities, including transnational organized crime.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said Kenya welcomed Italy’s comprehensive approach to security, which recognizes the close relationship between development, migration management and public safety.
“Kenya welcomes Italy’s integrated approach that recognizes the strong link between development, migration management and security,” Murkomen said.
Under the Letter of Intent, both countries will appoint designated contact points to facilitate the planning, coordination and exchange of strategic security initiatives at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for negotiations on a broader security cooperation framework covering additional areas of law enforcement and public safety.
Murkomen said Kenya would also benefit from Italy’s experience in public security coordination and modern policing practices, noting that lessons from recent engagements between the two countries would help shape future cooperation.
The Cabinet secretary said the partnership comes as Kenya advances reforms to strengthen its internal security architecture, including the establishment of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit to improve safety within the capital and surrounding areas.
“This milestone comes at a time when we are establishing the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit to enhance safety and security within the capital city and its environs,” he said.
Murkomen added that once a comprehensive security cooperation agreement is finalized, Kenya will seek Italy’s support in implementing specific initiatives aimed at enhancing policing capacity and improving public safety.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to expanding collaboration with Italy in addressing evolving security challenges, including organized crime and other cross-border threats that require coordinated international responses.
The Letter of Intent forms part of Kenya’s broader security modernization agenda, which seeks to strengthen partnerships with international allies, improve the capabilities of law enforcement agencies and enhance the country’s response to increasingly complex security risks.
The signing ceremony was attended by Italian Ambassador to Kenya Dr. Vincenzo Del Monaco, Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services Belio Kipsang, as well as senior government officials from both Kenya and Italy.
