Border control committee, KSG partner to launch security training program

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Chairperson of the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC) on Monday led the launch and roll-out of the Border Security and Control Program at the Kenya School of Government.

This is a stride towards fortifying and safeguarding Kenya’s national borders.

In attendance was the Director General of the Kenya School of Government, Ludeki Chweya, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration, Sharon Dimanche, Secretary of the Border Management Secretariat, Kennedy Nyaiyo, and Director of the Security Management Institute, Humphrey Mokaya.

Also present were contact persons from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as the Border Management Secretariat.

“The curriculum we are launching today encompasses several critical dimensions of border management. It delves into the intricacies of border security, examining key terms, national interests, and their correlations to our cherished national sovereignty," said PS Omollo.

He highlighted the collaborative effort between the Border Management Secretariat and the Kenya School of Government in developing a curriculum designed to address the dynamic landscape of border security.

The program covers border security intricacies, migration, border control, and trade facilitation, among others.

Omollo drew attention to the increasing threat of transnational organized crime, emphasizing how the curriculum equips officers to combat illicit activities that compromise peace, security, and sustainable development.

Furthermore, he stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation in enhancing security and promoting economic and social cohesion.

The curriculum places a strong emphasis on life skills, recognizing communication, negotiation, decision-making, and stress management as essential components of personal development for front-line officers.

“The Curriculum is not just an academic endeavour; it has been designed as a practical, hands-on approach to enhancing the capabilities of our front-line officers working day and night to ensure efficiency in our ports of entry and exit on land, air, and sea,” stated Omollo.

The curriculum's development involved a Training Needs Assessment conducted by the Kenya School of Government’s Security Management Institute, sponsored by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The study included an extensive examination of border points in Lamu, Nadapal/Nakodok, and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.