Kenya partners with United Kingdom to promote security

Kenya and the United Kingdom have signed a partnership to continue collaborating in the fight against terrorism, cybercrime and organized transboundary crime.

Speaking on Wednesday during a joint brief with UK security minister Tom Tugendhat, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said the two countries will benefit from information and learning experiences of each other.

"We have signed a letter of intent for cooperation between Kenya and the UK in information sharing regarding maritime security," he said.

The CS said the two countries have signed off framework and agreement for cooperation in the training of the National Police Service.

Kenya and UK signed security deals worth more than Sh1.7 billion.

The Sh1.7 billion deal encompasses aviation, maritime security, criminal justice to counter violent extremism and crisis response to protective security.

He said the country will leverage the long experience of the UK to enhance the capabilities of Kenyans.

The CS said the arrangement started in 2015 and it was later refreshed in 2018.

Kindiki said the refreshed arrangement will continue the collaboration in the fight against terrorism, cyber crimes and organised transboundary crimes.

Tugendhat said the cooperation will help the two countries to grow strong and united.

"The fight against organised transboundary crimes including but not limited to trafficking in persons and also financial flows to ensure that our criminal justice system can stabilise the country," he said.

He said the agenda is ambitious and will help both countries in reinforcing and securing the building bridge that binds us between communities.

"It is about looking at the challenges that face the region. Working together is the only way to support our people," he said.