EU partnering with Kenya on security

As part of supporting Kenyan Government’s priorities around Nairobi’s transport infrastructure and food security, the European Union has granted Kenya Sh51.7 billion over the next seven years. This funding is just one part of a broad-based partnership with the Government to meet three mutually supporting goals: inclusive development, democracy and stability.

Nowhere is this commitment stronger than in Europe’s cooperation with the Kenyan Government to confront the challenges presented by insecurity and terrorism.

Political violence is increasingly transnational in nature. This is why our counter-terrorism programmes are regional, working across seven countries in all. With Sh2.26 billion of funding over three years, we are helping governments and communities to employ a comprehensive range of smart measures to tackle the root causes of terrorism.

Our own experience from Europe is that there is no single silver bullet to what is often a locally-specific set of historical and complex issues, exacerbated by a foreign ideology.

The approach must be holistic, which is why our programmes target different areas.

They are confronting violent extremist recruitment, money laundering and terrorist financing, and improving analytical and investigative capabilities to bring violent criminals to justice. These programmes sit alongside a broader regional stability strategy, involving counter-piracy and building a stronger Somalia.

Europe stands by Kenya as it seeks to bring security to all parts of the country. Europe too suffers from terrorist atrocities. Strengthened borders and security forces are necessary but are not sufficient.

More important is a sense of shared social and economic opportunity, the respect for individual rights, and the rule of law.

European Union member states have been at the forefront of support in the region to share knowledge and skills to increase security.

The European Union recently launched a regional programme to better understand and build resilience against the insidious process of radicalisation. This is an integral part of counter-terrorist strategies that have worked across Europe.

Visibly bringing perpetrators of terrorism to book powerfully builds confidence and restores a sense of security. Deterrence requires intelligence-led policing.

The European Union will be launching a programme to train law and order agencies to improve their intelligence analysis and evidence collection.

 

Following its removal from the Financial Action Taskforce’s watch list, which we welcome, Kenya has an opportunity to further bolster its domestic growth and position as a regional hub. Severing the illegal flow of finances to terrorists stalls recruitment and operations.

That is why the EU will be initiating work this year, in partnership with the Central Bank and other Kenyan agencies, to strengthen financial institutions, combat terrorist financing and money laundering.

Stability in Somalia is a crucial component of security in the region. Kenya’s active diplomatic and military contribution to the African Union Mission in Somalia, AMISOM, is vital. We operate a dedicated training mission for Somali security forces, Sh2 billion contribution every month to AMISOM and more than Sh110 billion total of funding since 2008.

The EU’s naval force continues to help combat piracy in the Indian Ocean, benefiting both regional and international trade.

Sound national politics, regional relations and public confidence are at the heart of strong security.

Those elements are firmly in the hands of Kenyan leaders and the Kenyan people. The EU is doing its part to ensure its technical co-operation bears fruit and contributes across a range of areas to support security and stability in Kenya.

The writer is EU Ambassador to Kenya