Immigration Services Director-General Alexander Muteshi has urged government officials to embrace a multi-agency approach in their work to beat all forms of threats.
Muteshi said the approach has worked well in the mitigation of various threats, especially at the border points.
He mentioned achievements gained through a whole-of-government approach.
“A multi-agency approach has seen the establishment of Border Management Committees, Joint Operation Centers, continued seizures of contraband,” Muteshi said.
“Others are faster turnaround time at our points of entry and exit, the adoption of technology to ease movement and clearance of people and goods and the establishment of sturdier relationships with our international partners.”
He spoke on Friday when he officiated over the closing ceremony of a coordinated border management training at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete, Nairobi.
The 10-day training was aimed at building the capacities of border officials in coordinated border management.
The training was conducted through a manual titled Kenya Coordinated Border Management Programme.
The manual was developed jointly by the Border Management Secretariat and the Kenya School of Government’s Security Management Institute.
He said the training will help continue integrating the whole-of-government approach in border operations and enhance security.
“The skills you have been equipped with will help stave off security threats, enhance legitimate trade and travel and continue encouraging cooperation between Ministries departments and agencies by eliminating the silo mentality,” Muteshi said.
“This training will equip government officers deployed at our points of entry and exit with the relevant knowledge and up-to-date skills needed to execute their respective mandates.”
The training involved all border officials deployed at Kenya’s points of entry and exit on land, air and sea.
The first cohort consisted of 20 students from different border points including Malaba, Wilson Airport, Moyale and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport among others.
Muteshi praised the Kenya Coordinated Border Management Programme.
He said the programme will revolutionize how business is conducted at Kenya’s points of entry and exit.
“The training manuals are innovations that will transform operations in our borders. They are an important mechanism for strengthening our relations and unlocking the unlimited social and economic potential of our country to benefit our people,” he said.
“This training will also equip our border officials with the knowledge, competencies and skills to continue executing their mandates.”
All government officials deployed at Kenya’s borders will undergo the 10-day training as it will ultimately make up part of their career progression.
“The officers will not only benefit from the training, but the benefits will also trickle down to civilians who’ll enjoy efficient, effective and first-class service delivery at all our border points,” Muteshi said.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
