Forged travel documents, drug trafficking are Kenya's main cross-border threats

Interior PS Raymond Omollo. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

Forgery of travel documents and drug trafficking have been identified as the major threats to cross-border security in Kenya.

The Ministry of Interior, through Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, noted that 40 percent of apprehended crimes at the Suam, Malaba, and Busia border points over the past year resulted from fake passports and identification documents.

Omollo said the government is fully prepared to curb the threats by providing adequate support to the multi-agency teams working at the borders.

He stressed the importance of functioning points of entry and exit and the need to sustain and support the multi-agency approach to operations at all border points.

The PS further pointed out that law enforcement agencies working at the border points have a duty to enforce the existing laws and policies.

The identified cases were recorded from June 2022 to June 2023, and measures have been implemented to protect the country's reputation by defending the integrity of immigration policies.

At the same time, drug trafficking emerged as another significant threat at border points, with narcotics accounting for about 21 percent of the recorded criminal cases.

According to the Ministry, Immigration officials intercepted several packages of heroin, cannabis, and cocaine destined for different parts of the region and beyond the country.

PS Omollo urged authorities posted in the said areas to be more vigilant and to step up inspection efforts to reduce crime. He emphasized the need for individuals and various agencies involved to perform their specific tasks in this regard.

As a result of the inspections, authorities have arrested 12 suspects in connection with counterfeit drugs and fake IDs.