Defence CS Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government's commitment to work with the global community to enhance security against maritime threats.
These include terrorism, human trafficking, trafficking of nuclear materials and drugs and migrant smuggling.
He noted that these vices come up through illicit maritime activities through the sea or international waters.
"I emphasised the need to create a border check system to ensure that terror groups do not find way to propagate criminal activities," the CS added.
Duale's remarks came after the first Plenary Session of the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities (CGIMA) at the International Peace Support Training Centre in Karen, Nairobi.
The forum was convened in a joint pursuit to combat illicit maritime activities in collaboration with Kenya's global partners.
It brought together a cross-section of experts with a view of taking stock of the Contact Group off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS), a precursor to CGIMA.
It also aimed at receiving proposals on the areas of focus from the International Organisations and their perception of the future in combating illicit maritime activities.
Duale said the Contact Group has taken to concern the rising of other illicit maritime activities, following the repression of piracy.
He said there was a need to identify areas of possible capacity building by the member states with the aim of disrupting illicit financial networks arising from transnational maritime activities.
"I have trust that as we continue with the spirit of active dialogue, we shall endeavour to find solutions that will ensure a safe and secure maritime environment that the world is dependent on to thrive," he said.
During the session, Kenya was unanimously endorsed to retain the chairmanship of the Contact Group.
Noting this, CS Duale pledged to "do whatever it takes to achieve more milestones in the next year."
Present were IPSTC Director Brigadier Joyce Sitienei, representatives of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), a host of International Organisations and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
