• Kenya, UK sign MoU on border security cooperation

• Deal targets trafficking, smuggling, cross-border organised crime

• Agreement aims to boost stability along Kenya’s border regions

Kenya signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, to strengthen cooperation on border security and stability in the country’s border regions. The Kenyan Ministry of Interior and National Administration announced the agreement on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

The partnership aims to combat cross-border threats, protect communities from transnational organised crime, including human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and improve stability in border areas. It also seeks to strengthen early warning systems and intelligence sharing, enhance security responses, and better coordinate efforts to protect citizens and communities from irregular migration.

“The agreement strengthens bilateral cooperation to enhance peace, stability and socio-economic development across Kenya's borderlands,” said Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.

Kenya is a major destination and transit country for migrants and refugees in the Horn of Africa, according to the Global Detention Project. In recent years, authorities have raised concerns over terrorism, human trafficking, migrant smuggling and other forms of transnational organised crime, particularly along the Kenya-Somalia and Kenya-Ethiopia borders.

As part of its border management measures, Kenya says it enforces strict compliance with immigration laws at all entry and exit points. The Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS) works with other law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal networks involved in human trafficking, migrant smuggling and document forgery.

Separately, the United Nations has opened a Counter-Terrorism Office in collaboration with the Kenyan government. The office supports countries in East Africa and the Horn of Africa in efforts to combat terrorism and prevent violent extremism.

Lydie Mobio