In a world where violence and instability often walk hand-in-hand with the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons, Kenya has taken significant strides to confront a menace that has left scars across the East African region. From human trafficking to terrorism, the spread of illicit firearms has become the fuel for many of the most dangerous crimes facing nations today. But in a powerful show of regional unity and determination, Kenya has emerged as a central force in a broader effort to stop this growing crisis.
The proliferation of small arms has long been recognised as one of the root causes of armed conflict, violence, and insecurity. Whether in the hands of organised crime syndicates, terrorist groups, or even everyday criminals, these weapons often slip under the radar of traditional law enforcement. However, Kenya, alongside 14 other countries in the region, is now spearheading a concerted push to curb their spread.
A key part of this strategy is a comprehensive training initiative that is making waves across East Africa. This initiative has seen 500 officers from military, police, and wildlife services across ten countries—Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Eritrea, and South Sudan—come together for an intensive course on physical security and stockpile management. Held at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Embakasi, Nairobi, the training focuses on equipping officers with the necessary skills to manage and safeguard weapons and ammunition more effectively.
The goal is simple: reduce the accessibility and availability of illicit firearms while enhancing the region’s security. With armed conflicts, terrorism, and organised crime at the forefront of regional challenges, it is clear that these weapons are more than just tools—they are key enablers of destruction. This training goes beyond theory, offering practical solutions to avoid the catastrophic effects that poor weapon management can have.
Dr Raymond Omollo, Kenya’s Internal Security Principal Secretary, emphasised the urgency of the situation, particularly with the rise of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which are increasingly being used by terrorist groups across the region. The risks posed by such devices, made from readily available materials, add another layer of complexity to an already fragile security environment.
“The threat is constantly mutating,” warned Dr Omollo, “and our efforts must evolve alongside it. This requires not only preventative measures but robust enforcement mechanisms.”
The effort is supported by international partners, including the Austrian Ministry of Defence and the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies. Funding from these organisations has helped Kenya and its neighbours improve stockpile management, enhance legal frameworks, and reduce cross-border trafficking.
RECSA (the Regional Centre on Small Arms) is another vital partner in these efforts. Established in 2005, RECSA aims to provide countries in the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa with the necessary tools to combat the spread of small arms. Through partnerships with the African Union and the United Nations, they have already destroyed over 7,000 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition in Liberia, Tanzania, and Togo—showing that the region is not only identifying the problem but actively taking steps to eliminate it.
However, it’s not just about destroying weapons. It’s about building a framework for long-term peace and stability. The region has made progress in disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration programs, empowering individuals to lead peaceful and productive lives, free from the shadow of violence. But the challenges are far from over.
Political instability, weak governance, and cross-border conflicts continue to fuel the spread of illicit arms, complicating the enforcement of laws and the sharing of vital intelligence. In many cases, the flow of weapons feeds into broader issues such as insurgencies, civil wars, and organised crime. Yet Kenya and its neighbours are determined to break this vicious cycle, adopting collaborative strategies to prevent arms from falling into the hands of terrorist groups and criminal organisations.
The region’s efforts are beginning to show promise. From improving the capacity for firearms tracing to strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, East African nations are united in their resolve to make their borders safer and their citizens more secure.
The journey is not easy, and the road ahead is fraught with challenges. But with each step forward, Kenya and its allies are proving that when nations come together, they can overcome even the most daunting threats.
In this fight, the stakes are high—but so are the hopes of the millions who dream of a peaceful and secure East Africa.
