Kenya calls for Coordinated Action Against Small Arms Trafficking in Great Lakes and Horn of Africa Region
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 11 – The Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) today held its 16th Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, the forum brought together police chiefs and senior representatives from the national security institutions of member states.
Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, while officially opening the meeting lauded RECSA’s impactful efforts in fostering regional stability.
He also underscored Kenya’s unwavering commitment to continued regional collaboration in combating the proliferation of SALW, a key driver of instability and violence.
“For two decades, the Technical Advisory Committee of RECSA has been pivotal in curbing small arms proliferation, promoting peace and security in the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa regions”, said CS Murkomen.
He noted that Kenya as the host of RECSA has led regional efforts to combat illicit small arms, strengthening global cooperation, advancing international frameworks and supporting capacity-building.
“But more needs to be done. I call on all stakeholders to renew their commitment to RECSA as we reform it to make it better suited to confront emerging threats effectively”.
The meeting coincides with the 20th anniversary of RECSA’s establishment marking two decades of its crucial role in coordinating efforts to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit manufacture, trafficking, possession and use of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the Great Lakes region, Horn of Africa and bordering states.
Principal Secretary, State Department for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo reaffirmed Kenya’s strong commitment to regional cooperation in promoting peace and security through effective arms control, improved border management and intelligence sharing.
“We emphasized that the problem lies less in policy gaps and more in persistent enforcement failures, porous borders and the lack of coordinated regional response in the fight against illicit arms, which continue to destabilize communities and undermine development”, said Dr. Omollo.
RECSA Executive Secretary Jean Pierre Betindji in his speech earlier emphasized the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation, information sharing and action against illicit arms proliferation.
He further called for full adoption of the RECSA Harmonised Reporting Tool Urging member states to ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), Support for the Global Framework on Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management.
“Together we can build a safer, more secure region for all”, he added.
