Prof. Kithure Kindiki Calls for Enhanced Intelligence Cooperation Among East African Nations
Mombasa – Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, has called on Eastern African Regional Chiefs of Intelligence and Heads of Security to strengthen inter-agency cooperation in counter-intelligence, law enforcement, and crime prevention. This appeal comes in the wake of rising challenges such as transnational crime, terrorism, cyber threats, and other emerging risks in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, During the closure of the two-day Mashariki Cooperation Conference in Mombasa, CS Kindiki emphasized the critical need for collaborative efforts in addressing these threats. “These threats, orchestrated by criminal entities aim to destabilize our nations, compromise our national security, and undermine the rule of law. Additionally, they cast shadows over our developmental prospects, thus gatherings such as the one we have experienced here, is more essential than ever,” he stated. The conference gathered 14 Heads of Intelligence from Eastern Africa, including representatives from Kenya, Burundi, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Djibouti, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Seychelles, Tanzania, and Uganda, to exchange ideas and experiences.
The discussions at the conference focused on five key topics: the threat of terrorism and countering violent extremism, the evolving nature of transnational organized crime, regional geo-political and socio-economic threats, emerging cyber space threats, and opportunities within the region to combat these threats. Kindiki underscored that criminal entities pose a pervasive threat, affecting not only the origin country but also neighboring nations. He urged the region to unite, strengthen alliances, exchange insights, and develop innovative strategies to protect the security and prosperity of their nations.
CS Kindiki further highlighted the significance of multi-agency cooperation within national borders, emphasizing the need for breaking down silos and fostering synergy among various law enforcement and intelligence agencies for a seamless exchange of information. He cited Kenya’s success in leveraging the strengths of different institutions through the constitution of multi-agency teams to address major security challenges, including terrorism, corruption, and inter-communal conflicts.
The Intelligence Chiefs were encouraged to form robust partnerships and engage in real-time information and data sharing. “Real-time information and data sharing are the linchpins of our collective defense strategy. The timely exchange of intelligence enables us to stay ahead of evolving threats, facilitating proactive rather than reactive responses,” Prof Kindiki explained.
National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Hajj expressed confidence in the fruits of the cooperation formed with regional heads of intelligence. “Together we have planted the seed and when we look closely I think it will start germinating. Our seed is in good shape and hopefully, it will thrive. Now we embark on watering the sprouting plant with confidence and great ambition,” he said, highlighting the collaboration’s potential for peaceful coexistence and prosperity.
Former CS Amina Mohamed called for innovation in intelligence methods and the upscaling of resources to optimize achievements in the field of intelligence and security.