Kenya, UNITAR ink three-year deal to strengthen internal security capacity

Kenya has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to enhance training, research and institutional capacity within the country’s internal security and public administration sectors.

The MoU was signed in Geneva by Principal Secretary in the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo and Director of UNITAR’s Division for Peace Evariste Karambizi.

The agreement will support coordinated capacity-building initiatives for key institutions, including National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), the Kenya Police Service, the Administration Police Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Kenya Prisons Service and the Kenya Coast Guard Service.

According to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the partnership is designed to strengthen professional skills, promote policy-driven research and improve institutional effectiveness across the internal security ecosystem.

The collaboration aims to enhance service delivery, improve inter-agency coordination and reinforce compliance with the rule of law.

UNITAR, established in 1963, is the training arm of the United Nations mandated to support member states through learning solutions that advance governance, peace, security and sustainable development.

The institute works with governments and public institutions to build capacity aligned with international standards and best practices.

Under the MoU, the two parties will implement tailored training programmes, undertake applied research and facilitate knowledge-sharing initiatives to address emerging security challenges, leadership development, public sector performance and cross-agency collaboration.

The inclusion of the Kenya Coast Guard Service underscores the government’s growing focus on maritime security and the protection of territorial waters, particularly in efforts to combat transnational crimes such as trafficking and illegal fishing.

Officials said the partnership will leverage global expertise and evidence-based approaches to support Kenya’s security sector reform agenda.

The agreement takes effect immediately and may be renewed by mutual consent.