1. Salutations

The Director General, Kenya School of Government Professor Ludeki Chweya Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC) Secretary and Head, Border Management Secretariat (BMS), Mr. Kennedy Nyaiyo, Director, Security Management Institute, Mr. Humphrey Mokaya, BCOCC contact persons from various MDAs, BMS staff as well as our esteemed participants Ladies and Gentlemen

1. We are here today to acknowledge the significant progress Kenya has made in border management, transitioning from a reactive approach to a proactive, coordinated approach. It is with great pride that we launch the revised Kenya Coordinated Border Management Program (KCBMP), which will further strengthen our national security.

2. Kenya’s strategic location in East Africa has long underscored the importance of effective border management in enhancing trade, ensuring national security, and promoting regional integration.

3. Over the years, we have modernized our border operations, embraced technology, and fostered collaboration among various border agencies. In 2014, recognizing the need for a more efficient and integrated system, we established the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC), which brings together various government agencies to enhance communication and streamline operations across land, air, and maritime borders.

4. We have also implemented the Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS) and other technological tools to expedite the clearance of legitimate goods while effectively detecting contraband. Moreover, we are actively developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and efficiency in border operations across all points of entry.

5. These achievements have laid the foundation for the concept of Coordinated Border Management, emphasizing collaboration, information sharing, and a focus on both security and trade facilitation.

This holistic approach allows us to enhance security by working together as different agencies to identify and address threats such as smuggling and terrorism, boost trade through faster clearance times and streamlined procedures, and improve revenue collection by enhancing the detection of duty-evaded goods. Ladies and Gentlemen

6. The KCBMP is a groundbreaking initiative that reflects the commitment of the National Government to fortify and safeguard our national borders. The launch and rollout of this revised program signifies a vital step towards ensuring the security and efficiency of Kenya’s ports of entry

         and exit.

7. The updated program encompasses critical dimensions of border management, including Governance structures for cooperation and Emerging Trends and Technologies. It delves into the intricacies of a border management system that embraces both domestic coordination within and between agencies in the country as well as international coordination involving collaboration between neighboring countries and trading partners to enhance security and promote economic and social cohesion.

8. This program aims to streamline policies and procedures across government agencies, allowing for a more coordinated and efficient approach in tackling organized crime and other threats that undermine peace, security, and sustainable development. Furthermore, it encourages a unified accountability framework and the sharing of resources to enhance the overall effectiveness of border agencies.

9. The program also recognizes the significance of managerial skills in border management, which are indispensable for our officers as they navigate diverse situations daily, ensuring the safety and efficient movement of people and goods across our ports of entry and exit. Ladies and Gentlemen

10. This Program is designed to provide a practical and hands-on approach to bolster the abilities of our front-line officers, reflecting our commitment to addressing the evolving challenges of border security. It is crucial to ensure that all border officers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage the complexities of border operations.

11. As we commence training the ninth cohort, I commend the Border Management Secretariat and KSG’s Security Management Institute for their tireless effort to ensure our frontline officers are well trained. Likewise, I express my gratitude to our partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the United States Customs and Border Patrol (USCBP), for their continued support that benefits not only Kenya but also the entire East Africa region.

12. I am pleased to announce that the Secretariat, in collaboration with IOM, has planned the National Border Conference to be held in Nairobi from 2nd to 4th April 2024. This conference will provide a platform for stakeholders to engage in enhancing Coordinated Border Management and support the implementation of BCOCC’s five-year strategic plan.

13. To the ninth cohort commencing this training, I urge you to embrace the knowledge imparted with enthusiasm and dedication. You are the guardians of our borders, the sentinels who ensure the integrity of our nation. May this training be a catalyst for excellence in border management.

Thank you, and may we continue to work together towards a safer and more secure Kenya.