The government has stepped up surveillance at all entry and exit points across the country to strengthen border security, enhance trade efficiency, and combat illicit trafficking.
Speaking in Mombasa during the 64th Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC) meeting, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, said recent operations had yielded major breakthroughs, including the interception of 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine worth Ksh8.2 billion aboard a stateless vessel, Igor, in the Indian Ocean.
The vessel, which had six Iranian crew members, had long been on the radar of international security agencies for suspected narcotics trafficking.
Dr. Omollo said the successful seizure demonstrated the effectiveness of Kenya’s multi-agency coordination framework, which has strengthened surveillance across land, sea, and air border points.
“What is notable is the significant increase in the volume of trade, as demonstrated by the growing number of containers arriving at the Port of Mombasa,” he stated, adding that the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) had introduced new efficiency measures that boosted cargo handling capacity.
Between January and September 2025, the Port of Mombasa handled 32.86 million metric tonnes of cargo, up from 29.97 million during the same period in 2024 a 9.6 percent growth.
Dr. Omollo praised the BCOCC for promoting collaboration among government agencies that previously worked in isolation. “The seizure of the vessel at sea is a clear example of what inter-agency coordination can achieve,” he said.
The PS, however, acknowledged that several border points particularly those along the Somalia and Ethiopia frontiers still require infrastructural upgrades to meet operational standards. He revealed that the government is fast-tracking the completion of the Suam One-Stop Border Post to improve monitoring of movement between Kenya and Uganda.
“Our borders remain porous, making them attractive routes for illicit trade and unauthorized crossings. We are determined to fast-track pending border projects to ensure we have full visibility of goods and people entering and leaving the country,” he emphasized.
On health surveillance, Dr. Omollo noted that Public Health Officers stationed at border points remain vigilant to detect and contain potential disease outbreaks, including Mpox, through vaccination drives and awareness campaigns.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining secure, efficient, and well-coordinated border operations, saying this remains vital for national security and economic growth.
