The government plans to deploy advanced and emerging technologies at its points of entry and exit to curb cross-border crimes and improve clearance of persons across the 35 one-stop border posts and border control checkpoints.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo relayed the government’s commitment to the concept of smart border security systems as a surefire response to the illegal activities threatening national and regional security.
“We have been entrusted with the task of safeguarding our borders against the crimes and activities that drive the globalized illegal economy,” the PS said during a meeting with the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC) in Kisumu.
“As you all know, the threat landscape is constantly evolving, and we must work jointly in the establishment and implementation of a robust entry and exit system,” he added.
One of the advanced-level monitoring and clearance technologies adopted by developed countries is the Internet of Things (IoT), which utilizes sensors and processing software for seamless and real-time data across a network of devices.
These include smart video monitoring, smart kiosks, surveillance drones, and even mobile apps, which have presented new opportunities in border management operations.
According to Omollo, Kenya’s plan to keep up with the pace of innovation in this sector will not only expand its border patrol security capabilities but also facilitate legitimate cross-border trade.
“Now, more than ever, we are obligated to perceive our entry and exit systems through a national security lens,” he said.
He lauded the support networks propagated through BCOCC, a joint team of representatives from various law enforcement agencies, established in 2014 to formulate policies and programs for the management of border control checkpoints.
So far, the committee has fostered collaboration among the various law enforcement agencies and minimized the use of forged travel documents, illegal migration, human trafficking, smuggling of weapons, trafficking of narcotics and laundering of money among other crimes across the country’s borders.
