Kenya and Italy have today signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen cooperation in preventing and combating crime, marking a further step in the growing security partnership between the two countries.
Signed between the Ministry of Interior and National Administration of the Republic of Kenya and the Ministry of the Interior of the Italian Republic, it provides a framework for promoting cooperation between the two ministries and their respective police authorities in addressing crime, including transnational organised crime.
“Kenya welcomes Italy’s integrated approach that recognizes the strong link between development, migration management, and security,” said the Interior CS during the ceremony.
Under the agreement, the two sides will designate contact points to support the planning and sharing of strategic cooperation initiatives and activities at bilateral and multilateral levels.
The arrangement is expected to support the ongoing negotiation of a broader agreement on cooperation in security matters.
Kenya further noted that lessons from recent security engagements with Italy, including benchmarking on public security coordination and modern policing approaches, would help inform future areas of cooperation between the two countries.
“This milestone comes at a time when we are establishing the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit to enhance safety and security within the capital city and its environs.” Said Murkomen.
“After we sign our security cooperation agreement we will be coming to you to seek specific collaboration on this front,” added the CS while reaffirming commitment to deepening collaboration in support of public safety, regional stability and the fight against emerging and complex security threats.
Intent is part of Kenya’s broader security modernisation agenda aimed at strengthening cooperation with international partners, enhancing police capability and improving the country’s response to both domestic and transnational crime.
Present were Italian Ambassador to Kenya Dr Vicenzo Del Monaco, PS Dr Raymond Omollo (Internal Security) and Dr Belio Kipsang (Immigration and Citizen Services) and other senior Government officials from Italy and Kenya.
