Kenya leads efforts to combat small arms proliferation in the Great Lakes Region, Horn of Africa

By Citizen Reporter Published on: November 22, 2024 02:25 (EAT)

Kenya hosted the 15th Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting of the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), reaffirming its leadership in addressing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the Great Lakes Region and Horn of Africa.

The event marked a milestone in regional cooperation, aligning with the resolutions of the 3rd Extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting.

The gathering, held in Nairobi, brought together Chiefs of Police, Principal Secretaries from Ministries of Interior, and RECSA Member States to validate critical policy measures, including the Regional Action Plan on Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) and the adoption of a new Harmonized Reporting Tool for SALW control.

The Executive Secretary of RECSA, Jean Pierre Betindji, delivered his maiden address, emphasizing the importance of strengthening partnerships, advancing research, and enhancing advocacy for arms control.

He highlighted achievements, such as securing funding under the Silencing the Guns Initiative and facilitating capacity-building programs, including a regional Physical Security and Stockpile Management training initiative supported by Austria.

Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Interior, and Chairperson of TAC, reaffirmed Kenya’s progress in marking firearms and ammunition and reiterated the importance of aligning national laws with the Nairobi Protocol.

“As prescribed by RECSA, Kenya is nearing completion of its ambitious marking of firearms and ammunition. The National Police Service (NPS) has already marked 98 percent of its firearms stock while the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is at 70 percent,” he said. 

The Chief Guest, the Acting Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, emphasized the urgent need for RECSA Member States to enhance cooperation, stockpile management, and harmonized arms control policies.

He called on partners to bolster RECSA’s capacity to address regional security challenges effectively.

The meeting concluded with member states recommitting to collective action to combat illicit arms proliferation, ensuring a safer and more secure future for the region.

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