PS Omollo calls for stronger regional cooperation to fight transnational crime in Lake Victoria » Capital News

MOMBASA, Kenya, September 30 – Home Secretary Raymond Omollo has called for greater coordination between security agencies from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to tackle the growing threat of transnational organized crime in Lake Victoria.

Speaking at the opening of the fourth Regional Working Group (RWG) on Combating Transnational Organized Crime, Omollo noted that limited coordination between border security authorities has made the region vulnerable to organized crime.

He emphasized the crucial role the lake plays in supporting trade, cultural exchange and livelihoods in the three countries, while acknowledging the security challenges it poses.

“This 69,484 square kilometer body of water, shared by our three nations, has long been a vital source of life, trade and cultural exchange. Yet it has also presented us with significant challenges that require our collective focus and action,” Omollo said.

The PS of Interior outlined several interventions undertaken by the three countries to address these issues, including the creation of the RWG, which unites officials from the region’s main border agencies.

He commended the group’s commitment to ensuring that joint security initiatives align with both national and regional priorities.

“Your dedication has ensured that our initiatives remain aligned with both national and regional priorities,” he told participants.

Despite the ongoing challenges, PS Omollo noted that the region is making progress through a three-year project aimed at increasing the capacity of border authorities to detect and prevent cross-border crime.

He further noted that important milestones have already been achieved, including joint discussions on border management, maritime security training for officers and the improvement of skills in document examination and fraud detection.

“We initiated crucial discussions on border management institutions in Kisumu, validated assessment reports in Entebbe and built capacities through training programs in Mwanza. These efforts have been critical in enabling our officers to combat sophisticated criminal networks,” Omollo said.

Omollo also commended international partners, especially the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), for their support of the security initiatives.

Looking ahead, Omollo announced several key initiatives in the pipeline, including the renovation of the Kisumu Port Joint Operation Center, joint maritime training and the procurement of patrol vehicles to enhance the mobility of the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services.

Despite the progress, Omollo acknowledged that more work needs to be done and made several recommendations to the working group.

These include establishing a Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center for Lake Victoria, harmonizing fishing regulations in the three countries, expanding joint training programs for frontline officers and establishing more ports of entry to better control fish landings and other entry points.

Omollo also emphasized the importance of incorporating community feedback into security strategies.

“Understanding the views and needs of border communities is critical to building trust and partnerships,” he said.

The RWG meeting, which brought together senior officials from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, aims to further discuss and refine strategies to strengthen security at Lake Victoria and address the complex challenges of transnational crime in the region.

Notable participants included the Director General of the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services and the Head of the Kenyan Delegation, Evelyn Cheluget; BCOCC Secretary and Head of Border Management Secretariat, Kennedy Nyaiyo; Deputy Commissioner for Immigration Control and Head of the Ugandan Delegation, Marcellino Bwesigye; and Head of Training, Advocacy and International Cooperation and Head of Delegation of Tanzania, Ahmad Mwendadi.

Also present were Parvathy Sankar, deputy director of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement at the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, and Sharon Dimanche, chief of mission of the IOM Kenya Country Office.

About the author

BRUHAN MAKONG

Bruhan Makong reports on security, human rights and global affairs. He is passionate about exposing the truth, amplifying the voices that are often drowned in silence, and holding those in power accountable.