Kenya, like many other developing nations, is struggling to contain the proliferation of small arms and illegal weapons. This has been driven in part by the growing use of artificial intelligence in the small arms industry.
“The proliferation of small arms in our regions has been made easier due to the adoption of artificial intelligence within our small weapons industry. This presents a new challenge in the fight to curb the flow of these weapons,” said Interior PS Raymond Omollo.
Omollo spoke during the launch of the regional assessment report by the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA).
The PS added that these weapons come in various forms that can bypass security measures, including through the use of 3D printing, which makes them undetectable to common metal detectors, and the use of drones.
“We need to equip our security agents with the latest weapon detection technology so that they can curb the flow of these weapons, which continue to pose a threat to regional peace. If this is not addressed, corruption and regional conflict will continue to rise,” Omollo said.
The findings of the report have direct implications for communities across East Africa.
The continued presence of illicit firearms is closely linked to everyday insecurity, ranging from armed crime in urban centres to cattle rustling, banditry, and intercommunal conflict in rural and border regions.
Omollo noted that these arms move through transnational trafficking networks by exploiting porous borders, weak controls, and gaps in regional coordination.
“These challenges demand that we renew our commitment to coordinated and sustained action. Our success will require strong political will, capacity building, and close collaboration among regional stakeholders. The focus should be on strengthening national arms control systems, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and anticipating emerging security threats,” he said.
The newly launched report is the first comprehensive review covering the period from 2005 to 2025. It highlights significant progress made by member states over the past two decades while outlining key actions needed to address evolving security threats.
It also underscores the growing strength of national and regional systems to control small arms and light weapons, reflecting increased coordination, improved policy frameworks, and strengthened institutional capacity across the region.
Developed in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), the assessment documents major gains, including strengthened legislation, improved stockpile management, and enhanced marking and record-keeping systems, all contributing to more effective control of small arms.
Beyond policy and regional frameworks, the findings have direct implications for communities across East Africa.
The continued presence of illicit firearms is closely linked to everyday insecurity, from armed crime in urban centres to cattle rustling, banditry, and intercommunal conflict in rural and border regions.
These realities affect livelihoods, disrupt trade, limit access to essential services, and contribute to cycles of violence and economic hardship.
According to Felix Namuhoranye, Inspector General of Police of the Rwanda National Police and Chairperson of the RECSA Technical Advisory Committee, strengthening implementation at the national level will be critical in closing existing gaps and delivering safer communities.
“This report is an important milestone for our region. It gives us, for the first time, a clear understanding of the progress made and the challenges that remain. Small arms continue to fuel conflict, crime, and instability across our operating region, and addressing this requires stronger coordination, deeper cooperation, and sustained action across borders," he said.
The United Kingdom High Commission in Kenya representative, Cross Smith, also acknowledged the progress made across the region.
“There have been significant improvements in strengthening regional legislation and implementation of small arms control measures. While challenges remain, particularly around emerging weapons technologies and porous borders, these are transnational issues that require coordinated action beyond the region,” he said.
The report further reinforces that no single country can effectively address these challenges in isolation, underscoring the importance of sustained regional collaboration.
In addition to assessing progress, the report provides a clear roadmap for strengthening the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol and adapting it to current realities. Key priorities include strengthening cross-border cooperation, enhancing regional information-sharing systems, updating policy frameworks to reflect emerging threats, and investing in sustainable national capacities.
At the heart of these efforts, RECSA continues to play a critical role in coordinating member states, strengthening policy frameworks, and facilitating regional cooperation to address the transnational nature of illicit arms flows.
RECSA Executive Secretary Jean Pierre Betindji noted that over the past two decades, member states have made remarkable progress in strengthening national control systems and building the foundations for effective small arms control.
However, he said the challenge remains, with emerging threats and evolving trafficking dynamics requiring continuous adaptation of approaches.
“This assessment and the regional roadmap we are developing will guide the next phase of implementation, translating progress into sustained impact through stronger coordination, innovation, and partnership,” he said.
As RECSA marks over two decades of coordinated regional action under the Nairobi Protocol, the report is expected to shape policy, strengthen partnerships, and drive renewed efforts toward safer, more stable communities across the region.
