Kenya, 4 February 2026 - Kenya and the United Kingdom have formalised a new phase of security cooperation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening border security, countering transnational crime, and stabilising fragile border regions.

The agreement, signed through Kenya’s Ministry of Interior and National Administration, reflects growing concern over increasingly complex cross-border threats, including terrorism, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and organised criminal networks operating along key frontiers such as the Kenya–Somalia and Kenya–Ethiopia borders.


Speaking on behalf of President William Ruto, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo said the MoU demonstrates the President’s firm commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s sovereignty while promoting stability and development in borderland communities.


“The President has been clear that Kenya’s security strategy must go beyond enforcement to address the underlying drivers of insecurity,” Dr Omollo said. “This partnership with the United Kingdom reinforces our collective responsibility to protect communities, secure our borders, and ensure that development and peace go hand in hand.”


Dr Omollo noted that the agreement aligns with the President’s broader vision of a people-centred security approach, integrating intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and cross-border cooperation.


“H.E. President William Ruto has consistently emphasised that no nation can address transnational threats alone. This MoU reflects Kenya’s resolve to work with trusted partners to confront terrorism, trafficking, and organised crime while strengthening resilience at the community level,” he added.

The MoU builds on existing initiatives such as Deris Wanaag and the Land Border Programme, and will be implemented through Kenya’s national security architecture under the leadership of the Ministry of Interior. Key areas of focus include enhanced intelligence sharing, early warning systems, coordinated protective responses, and targeted interventions against irregular migration and trafficking networks.


UK Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director Diana Dalton described the agreement as a milestone in the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership, underscoring shared security interests and the protection of vulnerable populations.


Initial implementation will prioritise border counties considered most exposed to cross-border risks, including Turkana, Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, and Busia, with the potential for expansion based on emerging needs.


The programme is also expected to strengthen the capacity of local security committees and border control agencies, working closely with community leaders to improve trust and effectiveness.


The agreement comes against the backdrop of deepening bilateral ties between Nairobi and London, following President Ruto’s official visit to the United Kingdom in July 2025, where both countries agreed to renew and extend the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership for a further five years.


Analysts view the MoU as both a security and diplomatic signal, positioning Kenya as a key regional partner in efforts to stabilise the Horn of Africa while reinforcing the government’s stated commitment to secure borders, safer communities, and sustained development in historically marginalised regions.