Kenya calls for tangible regional action to curb proliferation of illegal arms trafficking

Interior PS Raymond Omollo during the launch of public benefit organization (PBO) regulations 2025 in Nairobi on June 5, 2025. (Collins Oduor, Standard)

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has urged countries in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa to shift from policy promises to tangible action in combating the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons (SALW), which continue to fuel instability and threaten development across the region.

Speaking in Nairobi during the opening of the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) forum for government experts, the PS called for urgent, coordinated measures among the 15 member States of the region.

According to Dr Omollo, persistent threat of illegal arms trafficking is no longer due to a lack of policy frameworks, but rather enforcement failures, porous borders, and fragmented regional cooperation.

“Kenya reaffirms its unwavering support for a united, well-resourced RECSA dedicated to advancing regional peace, security, and stability. We must equip ourselves with the tools necessary for rapid and effective action,” he said.

The PS called for urgent need for practical, coordinated and actionable strategies to strengthen national control systems, enhance intelligence-sharing, tighten border security and modernize legislative frameworks.

“We already understand the nature of the threat we're dealing with. What we now require are practical, coordinated, and actionable responses to track and disrupt illicit arms flows, strengthen national control systems, and improve intelligence and information sharing across borders,” he said.

He expressed concern that structural weaknesses within and between states are exacerbating violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises, all linked to the proliferation of illicit weapons.

Dr Omollo urged the delegates to be candid and results-oriented in their deliberations. “We must identify what works, what must change, and where we must focus our collective efforts,” he said.

This year’s forum comes as RECSA marks its 20th anniversary. Despite emerging challenges, Dr Omollo said the milestone offers an opportunity to take stock of the progress made and re-energise the fight against illegal arms.

RECSA Executive Secretary Jean Pierre Betindji echoed the need for continued capacity building, announcing that new funding from the Austrian government will support physical security and stockpile management (PSSM) training for Francophone member states over the next five years.

“This initiative builds upon the success of similar trainings for our Anglophone member states, where over 500 officers have already been trained,” said Betindji.

Jacinta Muthoni, Director of the Kenya National Focal Point on SALW, said the forum will assess the region’s performance in arms control, including the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol and recent resolutions by the Council of Ministers.

Participants will also review the RECSA founding Agreement and financing mechanism, with a view to improving institutional relevance and sustainability.

Kenya is hosting the week-long anniversary celebration, which brings together delegations from all 15 RECSA member states.

On Wednesday, President William Ruto is expected to preside over the destruction of recovered firearms in a symbolic reaffirmation of Kenya’s commitment to disarmament.

The celebrations will culminate in the 11th Council of Ministers meeting, which Kenya will chair, setting the tone for the region’s next phase in arms control collaboration.