Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has ordered all border security officers to be trained to adjust to President William Ruto’s directive cancelling visa requirements for travellers visiting Kenya.
Speaking during the launch of the curriculum for the training of border security on Monday, the PS noted the move was necessary to enable the security personnel to navigate the complexities of managing visitors and entry of goods.
He reiterated that it was imperative to impart the frontline officers with the knowledge and skills necessary as they carry out their duties.
Kenya is set to end the visa requirements for all people entering the country starting January 2024.
“Securing our borders from threats while welcoming all legitimate travellers and commerce requires robust legal and social policies to ensure public safety,” the PS stated while speaking at the Border Security and Control Curriculum event at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) in Lower Kabete, Nairobi.
He added that the training contains key necessities that will ensure the country remains secure and sovereign even with the new directive.
“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,” he added.
On Wednesday, Principal Secretary Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu added that the government was ready to deal with any security concerns that may arise.
She added that the government has a system to ensure that security checks are efficient and are able to track visitors and goods.
“The visa-free regime has been a desire I think of the President. He tasked a team to look into what that would look like, and what would we need to do as a government to be able to think through the security issues this might bring. This is one of the ways that we demonstrate that Kenya is open for business,"
Her statement was backed by spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, who added that the government will rely on technology to man the influx of visitors.
